Should I make that college trip?

Q. My daughter is going overseas to college. Can I go with her and make sure she gets settled? My friends say that such a behaviour is too 'mommyish'. I really want to go.

A. If you can go, go. You will feel better knowing where she is and what her accommodation is like. Take the stress off and go.

Q. I am waiting for my son's father to pay his school fee in the US before I decide whether or not I should send him back to college. He is 19 and a Jamaican citizen. His father did not pay the fees last semester and I had to borrow the money to pay his tuition. It is cheaper here, and I would try to get a transfer for him. Am I being unreasonable? I pay for rent and food while he is there.

A. You are being very smart. Speak with your son's father again and let him understand the economics of the situation. Pray and keep calm while you resolve the situation.

Q. My only child will be doing the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) this school year. I got a promotion and will have to work in another parish. Should I uproot him or allow him to finish GSAT studies with his current teacher?

A. Sit with your child and explain your situation. You will have to consider transfer and boarding issues and if he stays. Whatever your choice, keep bonding with your child.

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.