Dear Katie,
I fear my father is an alcoholic. My mother passed away about a year ago and now he can't go one night without drinking at least a bottle of wine and then maybe even having a vodka or whiskey as a 'nightcap'. It's really starting to worry me now.
Rachel, Cork

Dear Rachel,
Alcoholism is a very serious problem. Your father might not even realise himself that he has become reliant on alcohol. Loosing your mother has probably made him feel at a loss and turning to alcohol is a means of comfort. It would be a good idea for you to talk to another family member who would be willing to help. I would also suggest that he attend bereavement counseling.

Dear Katie,
I'm having problems with my son. He's nine years old and a very bright kid. The problem is that he is always in trouble in school. He just doesn't seem to want to learn. At home he is like a different child, very well behaved. How should I go about getting him to be better behaved and more respectful in school?
Trish, Gort, Co. Galway

Dear Trish,
An explanation for your son's actions in school could possibly be the fact that he feels insecure around his friends and acts up to win their respect. Star and black mark systems, where children are rewarded for performing well, have been proven to motivate children to do their best. Sometimes asking children the simple straightforward questions can also solve the problem.

Dear Katie,
I started seeing a great guy about eight weeks ago. Things were going great and I really liked him. We were spending all of our time together and then out of the blue he broke up with me. I just can't understand why?
Sally Anne, Dun Laoghaire

Dear Sally Anne,
It sounds to me like you overcrowded this guy and may have frightened him away. Men by nature usually like space and freedom. I would suggest that you now give him some space. Don't call him! If he liked you, he'll come back. Seeing each other every day at the beginning of a relationship is a recipe for disaster. Take it slow and see what happens next.