DEAR ABBY: I'm carrying a heavy burden concerning my 14-year-old grandson. He told me in strictest confidence that he had sex with a 14-year-old girl. I have been his male support system, mentor, adviser, disciplinarian and friend for 12 years because his father is rarely in the picture.
He swore me to secrecy, which I want to respect, but I'm torn about telling my daughter. She has a right to know that her son is sexually active and needs closer supervision. We discussed condoms (they used them), accidental pregnancy, possible criminal charges and responsibility, but I think he is more proud than alert to the possible consequences.
If I share this with my daughter, I break a long-held trust. When I urged him to tell his mother, he refused. What do I do? This is tearing me up. -- KANSAS GRANDPA
DEAR GRANDPA: Without betraying the confidence, start talking to your daughter about how, at 14, her son is fast becoming a man with all that it entails, including raging hormones. Then suggest she have some frank talks with the boy and keep a closer eye on him, unless she wants to become a grandma before he's out of high school.