Q: My 12-year-old daughter will not go to her new school for children with special learning problems. She went to a school that sort of mainstreamed her and she was very comfortable. One term has now gone. What can I do.

A: You need to be frank with your daughter and explain why this new school will be helpful to her. Gently remind her of the special challenges she has and how she will be helped at the school. Ask the guidance counsellor at the school to visit your home to encourage her to go to school. If the behaviour continues, seek the services of a child psychologist.

Q: Why do children lie? My five-year-old twins make up the most horrible stories. How can I stop them from lying?

A: Children usually receive a lot of attention as they tell a lie and so this special attention sometimes encourages them to lie. They often feel that lying is the easiest way to deal with the demands of parents, teachers and friends. Sometimes, since they repeat lies so much, lying becomes a bad habit.

Young children often make up stories. This is normal activity because they enjoy hearing stories and making up stories for fun. Parents are the most important role models for their children. When a child lies, as parents, we should take some time to have a serious talk and discuss the importance of telling the truth.

Q: My teenage children seem obsessed with the Internet. They are on it as they wake up and fall asleep at the computer desk. Schoolwork is suffering. How can I stop this?

A: You need to set some rules and stand by them. Remember that your children will not appreciate discipline that you provide until they get older and wiser. Set the rules and have a meeting with them and discuss what you have planned. You can even ask them to state what some of the punishment should be, if and when they break the rules. Please be firm and remember that you are in charge.