A: Take a deep breath and stretch. It is wonderful that your daughter can share with you her concerns about you. Sit with her and let her know that Mommy does not want her to worry. You probably need to make a budget and follow it as closely as possible. Please ensure that you budget an affordable treat for yourself at least monthly. Try your best to do fun things with your daughter. Tell her little jokes, cook together and make up music and dance and sing for her. With all you do, make sure you get enough rest.
Q: I have a four-year-old son who is not speaking but will do all you ask him to do. His pre-school teacher says he is a good child and the paediatrician sent me to the audiologist who tested his hearing and says there is nothing wrong.
A: Some children who have speech delay are just 'late talkers'. Most of these children will develop normal speech and language skills as they get older without any treatment. Most times there is no way to differentiate children with this delay, who will have improvement of their speech without intervention, from those children who will require treatment. Please consult a speech and language therapist who will be able to give you more information and provide therapy for your child if needed.
Q: I have been told that my child with a learning disability can get special treatment when she sits examinations. Is this true?
A: If your child has been diagnosed with a learning disability, your child can get special accommodations such as special seating and/or additional time. There is a procedure that is followed. Ask the school's guidance counsellor to contact the GSAT or CXC office and they will let you know what forms need to be completed or which psychological and educational reports are to be sent in and the date that they will be due.
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.