Girl Power!: Fatherhood Links

Take the time to get to know your daughter—find out what she likes to do, what is going on in school, or what her favorite band or song is. Opening yourself up to her world could result in a priceless gift—the attention, affection, and respect of your adolescent daughter! You will also increase the chances that she will lead a life free from alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug addiction. Your daughter may also benefit by having fewer behavior problems, a higher level of sociability, and a higher level of academic performance.

Are you afraid you don’t know how to start talking to your daughter in a way that will produce a thoughtful conversation? That’s okay; we have some suggestions for you!

Tell her about your life when you were her age. Ask her if she can see similarities in the way things were versus the way things are for her now.
Tell her about the prices of soda, gas, or records when you were a kid, or tell her that you didn’t even have CD players when you were her age. Tell her about your favorite singers or bands. Ask her about her favorites.
When it is her turn to tell you about herself, really listen to what she says. Just being there and being curious about her world will mean a lot. Ask questions!

If you are the adult male role model (father, stepfather, uncle, older brother, or grandfather) of a 9- to 13-year-old girl, take the opportunity to give yourself, and her, this precious gift.