Q. I am a mother of twin boys and I feel so stressed out. They are five years old and very busy. My husband works overseas and I live far away from family. It is not that they give a lot of trouble; they are just busy. Some-times, I pick them up late from school just so I can get some rest. Is that okay? I guess I feel guilty.

A. The average five-year-old will be a busy child. You can put together a daily routine for your children so that they will have organised and structured activities that will, hopefully, keep them out of trouble. At this age, they need lots of sleep and you can organise activity and nap times. Have dinner early with them and begin the bedtime routine so that they are in bed by 7:30 p.m., with exceptions for the holidays. Have them help you set the rules and stick by the rewards and punishment so that general discipline will be a regular part of their lives. Be patient and very loving with them. Ensure that Daddy is a major part of all plans and that regular phone and email contact is in place.

Q. My son is into cartoons so much it makes me angry and worried. He is only eight and can tell you about any cartoon under the sun. When he is not watching them on cable, he is on the Internet. Help me please!

A. First, you need to monitor and control his TV watching. You also need to block the sites on the Internet that you do not want him to watch. If you do not know how to do this, ask someone to help you. Remember, you are the adult in the home, so you are in charge. Set some rules and ensure that he gets to have fun and do things like homework, which are important. Let all other persons who live in your house be aware of what the plans are. I hope you will get him involved in some outdoor activities.

Q. My 12-year-old is taking GSAT and is overexerting himself. He is studying so much, I am concerned. He says he wishes to go to a certain school and no other. I want him to do well, but not to hurt himself. What should I do?

A. Sometimes, as adults, we say things and highlight schools and activities that we wish our children will attend and accom-plish, not realising that in wanting to please us, they extend them-selves. Sit him down and let him know that you want him to do his best, but not hurt himself. Let him know that if he does not go to that particular school, you will not be angry with him. Ensure that he is eating and resting well.

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.