DEAR ABBY: I'm 12. I love dancing and singing, but my mom has told me many times that I'm not good at it. It has lowered my self-confidence.
I'm now scared to sing or dance in public, although when I was younger, I would do it happily. What can I do to feel OK about my dancing and singing abilities? -- ENTERTAINER IN SAN FRANCISCO
DEAR ENTERTAINER: Nobody starts out being a star. Talent needs to be developed and nourished before it can blossom. If you enjoy singing and dancing, continue to do it -- if only for the joy it brings you -- and stop worrying about approval from others, even your mother.