Dear Paula,

My parents don't abuse me, but when I get into serious trouble they sometimes spank me. My dad doesn't know that I am already having my cycle, and I'm not about to tell him, but he spanked me the other day because I said something to my step mother, who was telling me that if I'm going to be an artist then I need to learn how to draw first. She plainly said that my drawings stink, and I didn’t think it was right for her to say that. I got mad and told her that she better stay out of my business, and my dad spanked me for that in front of my best friend. Who is a boy. How humiliating! I felt sick afterwards from embarresment. And the period didn't help much, either. I agree with you that children should NOT be spanked. I don't know what to do about it because I know that my parents aren't going to stop spanking me until I'm 15, but right now I'm only 12. I try to stay out of trouble, but it's hard to do when there are bullies beating you up if you do anything they don't like. Help! – L. K. D., age 12