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Dads and Daughters
Making the most of this special relationship By Jill Eggleton Brett
David Robinson of Fontana, Calif., gives his two daughters a daily dose of affection. "I'm sure to dole out lots of hugs and kisses to my girls daily. It's my reminder to them that I love them just the way they are," Robinson says. "I think a father being tender and gentle with his daughter says a lot."
"Sometimes we would have fun goofing off together, while other times we had serious discussions on things that were troubling her," Dillingham says. "Even though she's 18 now and raging with hormones, we still have the gateway of communication open."
Time set apart specifically for you and your daughter on a regular basis can create precious memories and also offer you a tool of powerful influence. You could start by choosing a hobby that you both would enjoy. This allows her to get to know Dad more as a person, outside the household. It also allows you to build trust and to participate more actively in shaping your daughter's future.
Teenage girls may fret about everything from the color of their ail polish to the uncertainty of their future career. Just listen. They aren't necessarily hoping you will solve all their problems -- even if you want to -- they just want you to listen and validate their feelings.
