Dear Dr. Meg,

I have an 18-year-old daughter involved in unhealthy relationships. She feels that she must have a boyfriend. She has been involved with different guys in a short period of time. She does sexual things with these guys, including oral, fingering, and a number of other things. She seems to think love is sex and continues to run from guy to guy. She is constantly tied to her cell phone and sexting with these boys. We, her parents, have talked to her and encouraged her often and prayed for her. It saddens our hearts to see her ruin her life and be used by boys who don’t love or care about her. She is very secretive and believes she is making adult decisions. HELP!

Sincerely,

Saddened Mom

Dear Saddened Mom,

Your daughter is desperately seeking attention and affirmation from men. Most girls seek attention when they feel they aren’t getting enough of the right type of attention from their fathers; when they have experienced sexual abuse, if they are insecure, or if they have friends who hook up with boys. Regardless why she does this, the remedy is the same as it is for all promiscuous teens. She needs…