Q: I am a parent of a 12-year-old girl. She is a bit shy and talks very less. She is moving closer to the boys of her class. I could have taken it lightly, but she and the boy have gone to the extent of writing letters to each other. How to handle this situation?

A:Talk to your daughter about sex, and sexuality and be open to answer the questions that she has. It is not a crime to exchange letters with a boy, but you must protect her from having a meeting alone with him in private. Let them meet and talk normally in a social setting and in time, she will grow out of the "crush". If you are too strict or easily outraged, it might push her to be daring and try her luck. It is much better to be honest and candid with her, but also be affectionate and understanding.