Tips for Keeping a Close Bond With Teen Daughters

Dads, to stay close to your adolescent daughters, experts suggest that you:

* Pay your child support if you’re divorced or separated--all of it.

* Stay in the hallway when the door slams. Take the time to ask your daughter questions and to think about her answers.

* Be physically active with her: Ride bikes, play softball, paddle a canoe.

* Demonstrate affection in a way that she is comfortable with. Offer your arm when taking a walk, kiss her on the forehead, hug her.

* Show support for her passion, be it ballet or kick boxing. Learn about it so that you can discuss it with her.

* Take an interest in her everyday concerns: her friends, teachers, music, future plans.

* Ask her to accompany you on a business trip.

* If she doesn’t want to spend much time with you, suggest something simple: a dinner together once a week, breakfast on the weekend.

* Talk to other dads who have adolescent daughters. One resource is https://www.dadsanddaughters.org.

Moms Can Help

* Keep Dad informed on what your daughter is doing and thinking about, even if it has to be by phone or e-mail.

* Create opportunities for Dad and daughter to have time alone.

* Avoid the “men are clueless” rhetoric.

“That doesn’t help Dad or daughter,” says Amy Lynch, editor of Daughters newsletter.