DEAR ABBY: I am a 30-year-old mother of two. I have been having serious issues with my daughter, who is 9. She has come to me asking questions like, "What is rape?" and "Why does it happen all the time?" She wants to know what she can do to prevent being raped.
I was raped as a child, and twice more in my teens. I have a big problem even talking to my children about sex. How can I get over this very uncomfortable feeling and be able to answer my children's questions honestly and without having to say "not now," or trying to change the subject? -- NEEDS HELP IN FLORIDA
DEAR NEEDS HELP: You're asking intelligent questions. The answer is to get psychological counseling to help you deal with the unresolved issues related to the rapes you suffered as a young girl. Your physician should be able to refer you to a licensed therapist. After that, there are books at the library that can help you to answer your daughter's questions. Please don't wait any longer. Do it now.