DEAR ABBY: My 13-year-old niece, "Amelia," is a beautiful young girl. She has only two flaws -- she lies constantly and she's boy-crazy. I have to listen to my sister talk on and on about how hard it is to trust her. My sister and brother-in-law have set many rules and limits for my niece. I think her punishments for breaking rules fit the crime -- grounding, having things taken away, etc.
Amelia knows she can't have a boyfriend until she's 16. Lately, she keeps trying to get boys' phone numbers and meet with them. She has also been caught sexting three times and lying about it. As her punishment this time, my sister and her husband shaved Amelia's head. I am shocked and devastated for my niece. I think it was extremely inappropriate.
When I try to talk to my sister about my concerns, she tells me she had no choice because her daughter had so many warnings. I don't know what to do. I think my niece will need counseling. My sister says I am overreacting. Am I? Or did she? -- WORRIED AUNT IN UTAH
DEAR WORRIED AUNT: Amelia's parents went off the deep end. What was done to her was awful, and you are not overreacting. Instead of shaving her daughter's head, your sister should have tried to understand why she is lying and desperately seeking attention from boys.
If I ever heard of a family in need of family therapy, it is your sister's. Love, attention and less draconian punishments are what Amelia needs, not months of public shaming.