4 Parenting Tips for Single Dads Raising Teen Daughters!

The teen-years can be an overwhelming and chaotic time for girls, and a tough time for their parents. Especially if you’re a single father of a teenage daughter, you may feel snowed under and not very well skilled for the task. Women tend to relate more to daughter because of their own experiences of going through puberty, growing up and all those mixed emotions that come with them. But for fathers, their daughter can be a complete mystery at times.

Just a moment before, they were loving and open and the next moment they are closed and defiant. You never know what to expect. For dads who want to ace at raising their teen daughter, here are a few tips to help you to help you do that:

1. Communicate:

Communication is very important while raising a daughter. Always keep all communication lines open between you two. Talk to her about her hobbies, her friends, her boyfriend/crush. No matter how awkward it may seem sometimes, you have to do it for her sake. Your daughter usually won’t require you to fix her problems; she just wants you to listen, understand and let them learn to work out solutions. This requires a lot of patience and a keenness to make it a priority.

2.  Don’t Hover or Be Over Protective:

You should understand that your daughter needs to be alone at times, just like you would want some alone time. If she wants to spend some time in her room alone; don’t worry, it’s completely normal. Though it can be confusing at times, but be careful not to cross the line from being concerned to hovering.  Also, it can be quite tempting to be the white knight and charger to her rescue. But being overprotective will either make her rebellious or too dependent. And none of these is a positive outcome.

3. A Woman Role Model:

Your daughter needs a powerful woman role model in her life, it can be anyone; an aunt, your friend, a successful woman in her field, etc. If not a real life one, tell her stories about inspiring businesswomen, who are creating change, or making paths for other women in any male dominated fields. Encourage her to do the same, tell her that you believe in her to make her dreams come true.

4. Don’t Forget To Have Fun:

Enjoy and have fun, in all stages of your daughter’s life. Before you know it, she will be a grown woman. Go out on weekends, play sports, take her shopping or just enjoy a board game at home. Anything which you and your daughter love to do; make her laugh and enjoy the time with her while you can. Before you know it, she’ll be off to college; your little princess will be all grown up.

Love Her Like She Means The World To You!

Daughters are the sweetest, cheerful and lovable beings on the planet. Raising your daughter may feel like a roller coaster ride at times, but in the end it’s all worth it.  You just have to be sensitive to your daughter, and spend time with her. Ensure her that you will always be there for her and monitor her activities with parental control apps. Trust your gut and love her unconditionally!