My son has reading and mathematics problems. As you know, it is very competitive to get into a traditional high school. What can I do to improve his grades?
- Sharmaine
Dear Sharmaine:
Academic excellence is where it's at these days. Males tend to have difficulty with reading and many of them have learning disabilities. Some children are slower than others and some have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which impairs attention, concentration and behaviour.
Take your son to an educational psychologist for a psycho-educational assessment. This evaluation will identify areas of weakness, assess IQ and determine whether he should be evaluated for ADHD. Take the report to the principal and the teacher so that the school can devise an appropriate individualised education plan for your son.
extra lessons
Regardless of the problem, your son's grades can be improved. Many times, extra lessons are needed and you will have to sacrifice and budget for the money.
As a parent, you need to read to him often and discuss the story. In the past, many people learnt to read using the Bible. Let your son get into the habit of writing stories and telling stories. His spelling may be problematic initially but you need him to be creative and devise stories. Story writing and storytelling are very helpful and important.
There are several educational programmes which teach phonics and are very helpful for struggling readers. You can invest in one of them and use it to encourage fluency.
My mom is depressed
Dear Counsellor:
My mother is 75 years old and I think she is depressed. She tends to be quiet, doesn't speak much and doesn't want to socialise with the family. In her younger days, she was treated for bouts of depression.
- Mary
Dear Mary:
Depression is a common condition among the elderly. It seems that your mother is indeed depressed.
As persons grow older, their friends and family die and so the elderly feel lonely and isolated. Retirement finds people at home with nothing to do.
Some senior citizens have various medical conditions and these cause them to feel depressed. Financial woes are also problematic and so many of them are undernourished.
The elderly need to keep working with young people so that they are kept busy and informed about current affairs. The youth will benefit from the experience and knowledge of the elderly. Church and community activities can keep them busy and useful.
There are also day centres for the elderly. At these facilities, the elderly are kept occupied throughout the day. Relatives can drop off senior citizens in the morning and pick them up in the evening. There are various craft activities that the elderly can get involved in.
specialised programmes
Some churches have specialised programmes targeting the elderly. Church members can visit the aged in their home so that they don't feel lonely and isolated.
Relatives should visit and keep in touch with loved ones who are old. Try to get your mother involved with the family. All family members should visit their relatives often and keep in touch via telephone or letter.
It is important that you take your mother for a physical check-up. There are several medical conditions that cause the elderly to become depressed. Your mother's physician will assess her for these medical conditions and treat as necessary.
Also make an appointment with a psychiatrist to have her evaluated. There is medication that can treat your mother's depression. Depression is treatable and sometimes an individual has to be placed on maintenance dosage to prevent recurrence.
Relate your concerns to Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson by phone at 978-8602 or 791-1778; or email yvonniebd@hotmail.com.
