Q I am just trying to understand certain situations. I have a son who is now three years old. I have observed certain things about him. He has become very aggressive and disrespectful. He is very disobedient and he always acts up when we go somewhere.

I have also realised that whenever I put him to bed or when he is by himself, he plays with his genitals or put his finger in his bottom. I am really scared and worried about him. I also want you to know that we live alone now. We used to live with my family where there were other children; he also changed his school. His father and I broke up before he was born and he sees his son once per month. Sometimes, they spend time together.

A Your son has gone through a lot so far in the three years of his life. I hope his father will be able to spend more time with him in the future. I hope you both work out any issues that may still cause problems between the both of you. If there are still problems between you, it will affect how his father relates to him and he will learn from you how to resolve problems. Don't worry about your child touching his private parts. Children are curious about everything, including their bodies. He just needs a lesson in privacy.

At this age, exploring the body has less to do with sex and more to do with cause and effect. Your three-year-old has noticed that touching his genitals makes him feel good.

Tell your son that you understand what he's doing, but that certain activities must not be done in public. You can also check with the paediatrician to ensure that he is not soothing an area where he may be feeling pain.

Regarding his behaviour, for your son to be obedient, you have to be firm and consistent with discipline in the home. Say what you mean and stand by what you say.

Q My three-year-old wants to read, but she mispronounces a lot and uses baby language. When I try to correct her, she gets upset. The teachers at school say she reads well for her age, but this baby language is driving me crazy. Sometimes, she speaks so well and then 'googoo gagga'. What do I do?

A Remember your child is still learning. Using baby language when she can speak clearly is usually a sign that she knows she can do both things. Playing with words and reading what she wants to read at age three is quite okay. At this stage, she is probably just interpreting the pictures as she understands them. It is wonderful that she finds books exciting at this age. Just watch to see if she improves and ensure that reading is a fun activity in your house.

When you have kids, you get the full package: runny nose, nausea, diarrhoea, gripe and a slew of testy troubles that come with early childhood.The Gleaner's health specialist, Dr Orlean Brown-Earle, has all the answers. Email questions to helpline@gleanerjm.com or send to Ask the Doc, c/o The Gleaner Company, 7 North Street, Kingston.