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Tops with My Teen
10 Tips to Help Dads Become Their Daughter's Best Friend
By V. Michael Santoro, author of Realizing the Power of Love (Midwest Book Review, 2006)
9. We set guidelines instead of making rules for her to follow. She had input into the guidelines, and was then expected to follow them. She perceived this as fair and in her best interests.
10. We "hung out" as opposed to just spending time together. Remember that there is a difference between motion and productivity, so we made our time together interactive. If we went to a movie, then we went for an ice cream and discussed the movie. Or we played some "one-on-one" games or sports.
Today, Jennifer is in college and our father-teenage daughter relationship is transitioning into one that is more father-young adult oriented. She continues to call me to discuss topics important to her and, it is gratifying to see that she has grown into an independent young woman. It gives me great peace of mind to know that she can think for herself, and still values coming to me to discuss things before she acts. Also, she is still saving me tons of money with those great sales.
If you want to be a better dad, don't forget the child within you. All too often, we get so wrapped up in being an adult that we forget how to have fun and enjoy life. I found that by using my imagination, I rekindled my creativity, and this made me an "OK guy" for my daughter to hang out with.