Let's talk LIFE: Help, my son is hyperactive!

Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson, Gleaner Writer

Dear Counsellor,

My son is four years old and he is very hyperactive. He cannot sit still for long and interferes with anything that he sees lying around. His teacher says that he is disruptive in class. He has a short attention span and cannot focus on the activities. He likes to sing and plays games. He cannot hold the pencil to write and he is very impatient. He has a temper and gets angry easily. What can I do?

- Marcia

Dear Marcia,

The symptoms are suggestive of a problem. You need to take him to a child psychiatrist for assessment. He needs to be assessed for developmental problems, including cognitive problems. It is important to have him assessed at a young age as interventions need to be put in place early. He may have intellectual challenges or attention deficit disorder. His hyperactivity may be developmental and he will grow out of it.

He will require specialised teaching if his hyperactivity persists. Schooling at his age is usually about phonics, singing and creative play. What sporting activity is he involved in? Maybe he could be involved in kindergarten football or swimming or tennis.

Children need to have a well-rounded education so that their energies are used up and they sleep well at night. How is his sleep? Some children go to sleep at late hours and are irritable in the days. Does he like to read? Reading is an essential skill that needs to be learned. Boys tend to have reading problems and need to be treated early. When the boys are picked up late, they refuse to go to extra lessons and have self-esteem problems.

Life is too stressful

Dear Counsellor,

I am a single woman and I find life to be quite stressful. I have a low-paying job and I have difficulty in paying my bills.

I do not have a boyfriend or children. Most time I feel lonely or I am bored. How can I change my luck?

- Daphne

Dear Daphne,

Some women are single while some are married. Each group of women thinks that the other is having a good time. It is good to have dreams, but you have to live each day as it comes. Enjoy today. Tomorrow is uncertain and yesterday is gone. You need to have recreational activities where you can meet people. Are you a member of a religious group? Worshipping with others adds to your spiritual strength. You need to have a focus and a purpose in life. Find what your purpose is and live life to the fullest. Happy people reach out to others, they give thanks all the times and they enjoy life.

Most jobs are low-paying with minimal benefits. Give thanks for a job in these days. Jobs are difficult to find and you have to work at it. Most people or companies have money problems. People plan, budget and borrow to keep afloat. You are not alone with your problems.

Save a little each month and live well within your means.

Email questions and feedback for Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson to yvonniebd@hotmail.com or call 978-8602.