Frank Njenga

Our two children do not respect my husband and both abuse drugs to spite him. I think he is spineless and indecisive. What should I do? Some years ago, we saw a young man who was brought to us by the police after he and his father had been involved in an altercation that had led to serious injury. The mother told the story of the happenings of that day without emotion, just as a passerby might describe an accident scene. It was impossible to detect any sign of emotion in her.

My brother and I are abusing cannabis and other drugs. We know we need help. How can we help our father take charge of our home? He seems scared of her. We will assume that you are in your late teens or early 20s. There are three issues that seem to be at play. The first has to do with what amounts to a weak man of the house and the other a strong and dominating mother. The third is that you and your brother are using drugs, perhaps to help you deal with the stress in the family.

My 22-year-old son left university a few months ago, stating that the future of mankind does not need degree holders. His long-term girlfriend also left him, saying he had changed into someone she could no longer recognise or love. He is withdrawn and does not seem to care about hygiene. What could be going on with my otherwise brilliant boy?