Dear Family Coach: Last week, while my husband and 7-year-old daughter were at an amusement, park two young men broke into my house and demanded money and credit cards. After I gave them what they wanted, they gagged me and hogtied me face down in the kitchen. Three hours later, my husband and daughter came home, and they untied me. Luckily, I wasn't hurt, but I'm concerned about how this will affect my daughter. She was loving and concerned about me, and she showed no apparent detrimental effects. Still, I think she should see a counselor, but my husband thinks prodding her may produce concerns that are not there. I'm torn. What do you think? — Bound in Doubt

Dear Bound: This sounds like a highly traumatic event for the entire family. It's incredible that you were not hurt physically and that your daughter seems to be unaffected. However, emotional wounds can be even harder to see and take longer to heal.

It's possible that nothing scary registered for your daughter. However, I doubt that. Young children have vivid imaginations and natural fears of robbers and monsters. In your case, those fears became a reality. That's a big deal for a child. While she may look all right, she should be given the opportunity to process this horrific incident with someone outside the family.

It sounds like your daughter displayed a great deal of empathy toward you, so she may not want to upset you further with her own concerns. Sometimes in order to help everyone move on, parents make the mistake of avoiding a certain difficult subject. But the feelings and worries don't go away if they aren't discussed. They get suppressed and come out in ways that may seem unrelated. You daughter may quietly blame herself for being away during the incident. She may feel unsafe in her own home, or she may worry about leaving you.

I strongly recommend some therapy for the entire family. Because you were the victim of a crime, you are entitled to many free services to help you recover money and receive counseling. Take advantage of these resources, as it will help you truly deal with all of the emotions surrounding the incident and make sure you and your family have a place to heal.

If your daughter is absolutely fine, then a skilled therapist can assess that and send her on her way. And if something does arise later on, you will already have a relationship with someone who can help.

Dear Family Coach: Sometimes I think my 16-year-old son overshares about his sexual experiences. I realize other parents would kill for this problem, but it's really awkward. How can I encourage open dialogue but also have boundaries? — Embarrassed Dad

Dear Dad: It's beyond amazing that your son is comfortable sharing with you. Either he is completely inappropriate and oblivious or you've done something right in the communication department. Either way, let's discuss how you can help him continue to share but stay appropriate.

Let your son know you are glad he can share openly with you. But teach him that it's uncouth to kiss and tell. Help him learn to respect the people with whom he shares a sexual moment by not sharing their intimate details.

Make sure, though, he knows he can always come to you with a concern or a problem. Tell him talks about birth control, sexually transmitted diseases or medical concerns, or questions about sexuality or behavior are all right.

Dr. Catherine Pearlman, the founder of The Family Coach, LLC, advises parents on all matters of child rearing. To write to Dr. Pearlman, send her an email at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Catherine Pearlman and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.