Q&A

A multi-ethnic group of elementary age children are playing a soccer game outside on a sunny day at the park.

My son is good at sport, and shows a great interest in playing professionally. However I’m not sure if it’s possible to make a career out of it. How do I help him understand that he needs to look at anothercareer?

It is important for you to have a direct talk with your son. Ask him what he feels and listen to him without giving your views. He might be worried and not want to disappoint you. After hearing him out, tell him your concerns and then together you might make a realistic decision.

Once you do have open communication, and he sees that you support him no matter what, then he might be able to decide if he wants to keep it as a hobby or pursue it as a career.

I have just started working after a career break of six years. The first time I went out of town on work, my daughter wet her bed (she is six now). What do I do and how can I reassure her that I am there for her, when actually I am not physically present?

I would suggest that you prepare her a week in advance: show her on the calendar the day you would be leaving and the day you will return.

You could mark these days with your photo or drawing. Make a story of how you need to go to another city, and how you will drive to the airport, take an aeroplane, finish the work and come back to her. Fix up time when you could FaceTime/Skype her and chat with her about her day.

Make sure, in your absence, her father or another family member she is close to, is with her and maintains the same routine.

Give her a little time to understand that you are going but that you will return to her (through calendar, story or even a song). She will internalise it and feel more secure. As much as possible, Make sure these travels are minimal, until the time she feels more comfortable about them.

Dr Shelja Sen is the co-founder of Children First; a child and adolescent psychologist, family therapist; and author of All You Need is Love: The Art of Mindful Parenting and Imagine, No Child Left Invisible . Email her with your questions at mp_health@thehindu.co.in.

Nothing in this column is intended to be, and is not, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek independent advice from a licensed practitioner if you have any questions regarding a medical condition .