Q. I find that my 15-year-old daughter becomes very upset around difficult people. She cannot believe how rude even customer service personnel can be and gets angry and even reports them. I am trying to tell her to ignore them.

A. Your daughter is correct in reporting persons who act unprofessionally. However, she may have low frustration tolerance. She will benefit from counselling, which will help her to use coping strategies such as self-talk statements that would help her to calm down.

Son gets very afraid

Q. I find that my 10 year old son gets very fearful and anxious from time to time. How can I help him?

A. Fear mainly results from a specific threat or some type of danger that presents itself. Anxiety is usually triggered by something in the future that may happen. You need to think of situations that may be causing anxiety and fear for your son. You can write these down as they occur over a period of time, then take the information to a counsellor or a psychologist who would then guide you in ways to help your son.

Help with managing emotions

Q How can I manage my emotions? I work in a secondary school and it can be harsh. How can I calm down in this storm?

A. First, you need to find out what may be the problem that is causing you to be upset, and then think about what you can do about it. Then take the pertinent steps. Also use emotionally cool language and tones when dealing with the situation. Practise stress-reduction activities such as deep breathing to help you feel better as you make plans to ensure things get better.

Orlean Brown-Earle, PhD, is a child psychologist and family therapist. Dr Brown-Earle works with children with learning and behavioural 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!