Q: My son is 2.5 years old and is afraid of mascots and people who are dark skinned. He is extremely afraid of the lady cleaner in his school, who wears a glove when cleaning the toilet. He is always scared of going to school. Should I still continue to send him to school? How should I make him overcome his fear?

A:It is not very clear what your child's problem is. He may have had some very unpleasant experience with a dark skinned person. Children are not usually worried about skin colour. If someone is warm and pleasant, they will relate to her well. Perhaps he is too young for school and not prepared to accept people who look different. You could send him a few months later. Make sure he gets nutritious food, sleep and rest suitable for his age and play materials and playmates. It is only the secure feeling of parental love that gives children a sense of security. When you find out what exactly he is afraid of, it will be possible for him to be helped to get over his fear.