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My husband and I are going through a divorce that I want and he does not. How do we break the news to our 12-year-old son?

It is very important that both you and your husband share the information together with your son. To be able to do that, both of you need to agree on the content of the information that you are going to share. This content should not be about blaming each other for the breakup; you need to also assure your son that both of you love him and will be there for him as his father and mother. It’s time you both put aside your difficulties to be on the same page, understanding your son is the common link and you have his best interests at heart.

My colleague is going through a relationship breakup, and while we all support her, she is also not pulling her load work-wise. How do we broach this with her, while also reassuring her that we are there to help?

Empathising with your colleague on her relationship breakup is important and valuable. However, it will not be beneficial or helpful to both you and your colleague if you begin to rescue her and not help her account for her deliverables at work. This means that she will need to understand that while you empathise with her situation, she has a responsibility to her work and deliverables. Set some boundaries, let her feel heard, but do not let that be an excuse for her to neglect her work.

My son, 15, seems to be very negative, criticising his teachers and his fellow students. How do I help him see the world in a better light?

Most often, a person is critical of others when they are feeling inadequate themselves. Spend time with your son to identify what makes him feel good about himself and encourage him to focus on that. Keep acknowledging him when he does something good instead of advising him.

Anna Chandy is Chairperson, The Live Love Laugh Foundation (TLLLF), an NGO that works in the area of mental health.

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. Email us with your questions at mp_health@thehindu.co.in