Let's talk life

I would love some tips on coping with stress.

- Annette

Dear Annette,

Stress can be unexpected or developmental. Growing up is stressful, but that is how life goes. We are expected to grow up, have a career, a family and a well-paying job. You need to set goals and work towards them. You need to persevere at your task. Sometimes things will not work out as you wished, but by looking at options you will succeed. You need to have several options available for you to choose wisely. In life, there will be trials, setbacks and detours.

We need to analyse the problems that face us and seek out the good parts. Sometimes we have to cry because we feel overwhelmed but that's okay. We need friends to discuss issues. We need support from family and extended family. Learn to laugh and feel good. Live one day at a time and let God lead you along his path. Pray often and let God take care of your problems. Look on the positive side of life, count your blessings and give thanks with a grateful heart.

Exercise is good for depression as well as your heart. Look at your relationships and see where you can be more generous and caring. Have a to-do list and try and use it.

How should I raise my adopted daughter

Dear Counsellor,

I have an adopted daughter and I am trying to raise her as best as I can. Are there any tips you can give me?

- Althea

Dear Althea,

Parenting is a challenging endeavour, but it is also very rewarding. You need to treat her like a biological daughter. Show her lots of tender loving care and nurture her. As with other children, you need to have rules which she knows. Depending on her age certain rules would apply. You will need her to excel in school, so you need to focus on homework and completion of school assignments. We need well-rounded individuals so she should be involved with sports, music and clubs. You would not want to overschedule her, but she needs the skills that extracurricular activities provide. Keep in touch with your family so that the extended family can help to raise her. Family is important and she would want to know the relatives. Take her to church and let her learn from early that God is in charge and she needs to depend on him.

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