How do I get my son to settle down?

Q My son just loves to joke things out. He is 10, and I am concerned that he does not take life seriously. He does average work at school, but loves to play practical jokes. My father says I should leave him alone as his uncle was like that and is now an engineer. What should I do?

A Encourage your son to have fun, but to be careful when he jokes around. He should make sure that no one is harmed when he is having fun. Get him into a science activity summer school programme, so that he can participate in educational experiments and learn at the same time.

Filing for custody

QMy son's mother has decided that she is going to migrate to a small island and take him along. He is just 12 and just passed his Grade Six Achievement Test to a good school. My new wife will not allow him to live with us. His mother does not want him to board. Can I file for custody and have him board in the community near the school?

AIt is always better for a child to live with a parent. You will need to see a lawyer who can give you more information about child custody.

Should Gov't train more social workers

Q I want to do social work for my graduate studies, as I feel that we need more help with children in Jamaica. Do you think the Government should train people to be social workers?

AI think that it is a great idea to invest in our youth. Jamaica will only benefit from graduate-level trained social workers and counselling psychologists.

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. Responses to concerns are to be considered as general, as cases shared with psychologists privately would be queried more deeply. Pray always!