Q. My 12-year old son has had a lot of headaches, pains in his upper face and nose bleeds since he started his new school. My husband says it is just nerves and he should keep on at school. I keep him off when he is feeling bad. Who is right?

A. He should go to school if he can. I don't see how nose bleeds can be just nerves. He may have sinusitis, an infection in the cavities in the facial bones, so you should take him to the doctor to make sure. Do talk to his teacher, and find out if he is settling in at school. Your son won't tell you if he isn't! You could raise the possibility of bullying — it is common in first years in many schools — if you think he is pleading a headache just to get off school.