My two teenage daughters (15yrs and 13yrs) are beautiful and smart enough to keep me in a perpetual state of panic. For those Dads who have daughters – you know what I mean. No explanation required.
As I watch them grow I am determined that I will not ‘lose’ them and yet at the same time I don’t want to frustrate them by being too controlling. It is a fine balance between being a parent and a friend.
Is this a picture of your dad and daughter relationship?
On one hand, I want to be a great friend to them. I love the fact that they talk to me about everything. When we have dates, they ‘UNLOAD‘ and bring me up to speed on what is going on in their lives.
I ask them questions that are no longer embarrassing because I have always asked them tough questions – boys, health, body image, grades, sex etc. Personally, I don’t believe that there should be areas of their lives that only their Mom can talk to them about. I think it is vital that they understand a guy’s perspective on life in general. My hope is that this will equip them for life.
On the other hand, I don’t want to be only their friend and fear what their reaction might be when I say “No” to something. I have to be the Dad too. I have to parent them.
How this plays out can be tricky but I think that if there is a foundation of love, respect and honesty then it makes it a lot easier.
In my next post I will be giving a list of five values that have help(ed) me as I attempt to be a Smart Dad to teenagers.
