A: It is quite ok for your child to be quiet. Sit with him and ask him why he does not want to play with the other children. He may have a perfectly good reason. Remember, all of us have different personalities. Some quiet people prefer being alone to being with others. Not socialising with others is a part of an individual's personality which is developed in the pre-school years and may continue throughout adult life. Quiet persons, sometimes referred to as social introverts, usually communicate when they want to but more frequently choose to remain quiet. Ensure that you and his father develop a strong relationship with your son so that even though he does not talk to others a lot, he will talk with both of you.

Q: My 16-year-old son is into religion. It all started with an assignment he had for his CXC project. Now he is reading up about all types of religious groups. He just seems so fascinated I don't know if I should worry or just watch where it is all going. He will share what he has learned but just gets so excited about it. We are a regular Christian family who believe in God and go to church most Sundays. Do we worry?

A: The good thing is that you know what he is doing and that he is not keeping it a secret from you. What you can do is ask him what he has learned each day and discuss the issues with him. Teenagers are always seeking to define who they are and where they fit in. While doing this, they are opening their minds and their spiritual awareness, so they will be exploring, experimenting and possibly practising their new-found religious beliefs. Discuss the similarities and differences between your religious beliefs and the new information he has learned. It is a good time for you to strengthen your belief system so you are ready for the questions that are on the way.

Q: We are currently going through a divorce. I am away in college and it is easier for the divorce as we do not see each other. My concern is for my seven-year-old son. I am close to the end of a two-year programme and my son is with me and goes to school close to the college. Now the excuse I use about Daddy is that we do not see him because we live far from him. They talk over the phone and my son goes to his father some holidays. As of August I am back at work and will be living in a different house in the community where his father lives. How can I prepare my son now.

A: Tell your son the truth. Share that Mommy and Daddy are not going to be living together again. He does not need the details. When he asks questions just answer simply and honestly. Ensure that he continues to have contact with his father. If he thinks it was his fault why Mommy and Daddy broke up, let him know that he was not the cause. Show your son that even though you both have parted, you can be polite and civil to each other.

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.