Did you know in 1965 dads spent an average of 2.5 hours per week in some kind of childcare activity? If that figure seems insane to you, you aren’t alone. As of 2015, that number has become more like 7 hours a week and for many fathers, it is far more. The role of fathers in the lives of their children has evolved over time. I am personally thankful for that change. I don’t know what I would do if I was relegated to such paltry interaction with my kids.
Studies have found that the way a child interacts with their parents will have a marked effect on their future lives. One study in particular that found daughters carry on habits and emotional experiences from their time with their fathers to their future spouse. This really stuck with me, especially as I am currently raising two daughters. It made me wonder if I was connecting enough with my daughters and how I could better understand them.
Ways to Connect With and Understand Your Teen Girl
If you are worried about the same thing, here are some simple ways I connect with my daughters and help us build a better relationship.
• Shut Mouth, Open Ears – You probably have a lot of advice to give your daughter. But sometimes she just wants to know you are listening, so consider saving the lectures from time to time.
• Understand the Unique Pressures She Faces – Have you ever been through a makeup aisle? Or read comments about female celebrities on Twitter? Our girls have a disgusting amount of pressure placed on them, with much of it centered on their physical appearance and it isn’t fair. Keep that in mind and try to sympathize.
• Stop Being an Emotional Dummy – I will be the first to admit that I have struggled with this myself. Expressing emotion and being open to understanding feelings is not something that I was taught as a child and I had to learn it in order to be open with my wife and children. Don’t dismiss your daughter’s feelings just because you may struggle with your own.
• Encourage Independence – You daughter has her own thoughts, opinions, needs, and goals. Those should be nourished and allowed to grow as she becomes an independent adult woman.
• Pay Attention to Her Interests – Does your daughter like dolls and My Little Pony? Does she prefer soccer? Maybe she is a budding artist or likes video games or has been playing the violin since she was three. Know and take part in her interests because she likes them, instead of only having her tag along with your interests.
With a little mindfulness, you could be more connected with your daughter and understand her better than ever.
—
What’s your take on what you just read? Comment below or write a response and submit to us your own point of view or reaction here at the red box, below, which links to our submissions portal.
If you believe in the work we are doing here at The Good Men Project, please join us as a Premium Member, today.
All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS.
A $50 annual membership gives you an all-access pass. You can be a part of every call, group, class, and community.
A $25 annual membership gives you access to one class, one Social Interest group, and our online communities.
A $12 annual membership gives you access to our Friday calls with the publisher, our online community.
Register New Account
Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here.
◊♦◊
This post has been republished to Medium.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock