Q My son started potty training at two years old. He is not fully there yet. He has become aware of his penis and I need to know what to do, so that he is not so preoccupied with it. I see where you wrote a few weeks ago about what is appropriate behaviour for them, but I don't think he understands and he takes his penis out at home and school and this is proving to be very embarrassing for us.

A What is important for you to do is to tell your son when is the right time to expose himself and when not to expose his penis and why. Involve the teacher at school to encourage him not to show his penis publicly. At home and at school, both the teacher and yourself must remember that he is not to be punished for doing this, but he must be spoken to firmly in private about the inappropriate behaviour.

When he exhibits appropriate behaviours at home and at school, he must be rewarded for doing so. Planned ignoring can also work. Ignore the behaviour at home for a period of time. Remember, we reinforce repetition of any behaviour when we make a big deal out of it.

Q I see on TV where children at two years old are reading well. My child is three, four in February and just playing at school. The teacher says she is okay and is doing well for her age, but she cannot read.

A Take it easy. Most children cannot read until much older than three. At three going on four, your child should know that alphabet letters can be named, should understand and follow verbal directions and should show an interest in books and reading. She should also try to read and write and even have her special book. What you must do at home is read to her daily if possible and encourage her to look at pictures and read simple words. Remember all children will not learn at the same pace. Sit with the teacher and see if she is on target for her age group.

Q I want to play with my children who are eight and 10 years old. However, because of my job, I do not have much time. What can I do with them so we can have fun together?

A You can exercise together for 10-minute sessions a few times a week, and make it fun by using fun music. Just have fun and do not expect yourself or the children to be perfect. You can also play board games together like scrabble or snakes and ladders. If time runs out, then you can put the game up and continue from the same place next time. You can teach good sportsmanship skills by not being upset when you or either child does not win.

One of the great things about these activities is that you will all be in the same room and so can be talking and eating while you do these activities. A trip to visit family and friends at least once a month is highly recommended and you can play question-and-answer games while driving together.