DEAR ABBY: My daughter is 13 and has many friends. She's smart and beautiful. She even has her first boyfriend as of two weeks ago. My concern is, she took a razor blade and made cuts and marks in her forearm.
Because I feel this is so very serious, I have made an appointment for her to see a psychologist next week, and I want her to stay at home more until she has talked to the counselor about this. (She doesn't want to see the doctor and thinks I am being overprotective.)
I am worried sick about my daughter, but I don't want to smother her, either. What do you think about this, Abby? She reads your column and, I think, will take what you say into consideration. -- WORRIED MOTHER, CHANDLER, ARIZ.
DEAR WORRIED MOTHER: You are right to be deeply concerned about your daughter's cutting. While she may be beautiful and popular, and even have her first boyfriend, cutters usually cut themselves because the act brings them some relief from severe emotional pain. I'm pleased that your daughter will be getting professional help as quickly as possible.
As long as she is willing to cooperate with the doctor, I see no reason why your daughter should be grounded at this time. She needs emotional support from understanding friends.