Is this really necessary?

Q My daughter attends a high school that decided it should sequester the Schools’ Challenge Quiz team for two weeks, away from the regular curriculum and their families. I live abroad and only heard of this after it occurred. Is something like this necessary?

A You should have been notified by your daughter’s caregivers of this plan. I, personally, do not believe such an activity is necessary but such a decision should be made between parents and the school board.

Q My 12-year-old is very smart and doing well in first form, but is absolutely fascinated by what she terms “cute guys”. How do I get her to focus emotionally?

A Sit with her and talk about the importance of having a relationship with men who are not just good-looking, but have Christ-like behaviour and have goals that will make them productive and positive persons in society.

Q Are there any programme in Jamaica that can help families with children who have children with learning disabilities?

A There are many agencies and professionals that help families who have children with learning disabilities. You can first contact the Jamaica Association of Children with Learning Disabilities. A paediatrician, principal or school guidance counsellor can guide you to a local psychologist, who will test your child and provide counselling services for the family.

Orlean Brown-Earle, PhD, is a child psychologist and family therapist. Dr Brown-Earle works with children with learning and behavioural problems throughout the island and in the Caribbean. Email questions to editor@gleanerjm.com or send to Ask the Doc, c/o The Gleaner Company, 7 North Street, Kingston. Responses to concerns are to be considered as general, as cases shared with psychologists privately would be queried more deeply. Pray always!