Q. My son is six years old, in grade one (at primary school) and he cannot read. Should I be overly concerned? (I am). Is there any sort of reading centre in the Mandeville area where he could be enrolled, even for one or two hours. His school shift ends at midday.

A. It is great that you are a concerned parent. You need to have your son tested to see what he is able to read. The Jamaica Association for Children with Learning Disabilities has a centre in Mandeville. You can contact them at 962-2133.

Q. I have a seven-year-old and a four-year-old at home. Both are girls. I have recently (the last four months) taken my niece to live with me. She is two years old. The problem is that the children do not want to share with her, especially the four-year-old. Whenever the baby has a toy, she snatches it away from her. I have tried talking to them and explaining that they need to share. I have occasionally punished them as well, but to no avail. I am at my wits' end as they bicker and scream at each other a lot. When will this end!?

A. Your seven-year-old and four-year-old children already had established their play patterns and rules before the two-year-old came along. A two-year-old who is not yet able to participate at their level may be seen as an intruder. It will take time for the friendship to develop. Ensure that you are not showing any preference to the two-year-old that may cause jealousy. Play games with them that encourage them to share.

For example, they can all be cooking and the two-year-old holds a doll who will eat when cooking is finished. Also, you can encourage them to play bat-and-ball games with the two-year-old, using a soft ball. Teach them to play together by being a part of the activities.

Q. My daughter in interested in becoming a psychologist. She is 15 years old and goes around analysing everything we do and say in the apartment and on the road. She loves to watch shows like 'Monk' and movies with people showing mental challenges. What are the qualifications to be a psychologist?

A. Your daughter will need to get a degree in psychology and then do some training once qualified. A doctoral degree is usually required for independent practice as a psychologist.

Psychologists with a PhD or Doctor of Psychology qualify for a wide range of teaching, research, clinical and counselling positions in universities, health-care services, primary and high schools, private industry and government.

Psychologists with a doctoral degree often work in clinical positions or in private practices, but they also sometimes teach, conduct research, or carry out administrative responsibilities.

Orlean Brown-Earle, PhD, is a child psychologist and family therapist. Dr Brown-Earle works with children with learning and behaviour problems throughout the island and in the Caribbean. Email questions to helpline@gleanerjm.com or send to Ask the Doc, c/o The Gleaner Company, 7 North Street, Kingston.