Your relationship with your dad can impact everything from how well you do in school to how effectively you interact with your teachers. Girls who have a bond with Dad deal better with authority figures. Studies show they also rely less on others for approval, are more successful in their careers, and have lower incidence of depression. A quality father-daughter relationship is not only important, it can make life easier and more enjoyable!
However, things with daddies and daughters are so often fraught with complications. Even the most functional father-daughter relationships face challenges. But if you think the ball is entirely in your dad’s court to make your relationship closer, you’re missing an opportunity to build an amazing connection to the most important man in your life.
In honor of Father’s Day, here are a few ways to connect with dad:
Get to know your dad’s story: Your dad may tell the same stories over and over again. You may think you know everything you need to know about him. But getting to know him more will bring you closer to him and help you understand him even better. To learn more about your dad, ask him to pull out some favorite photos from his childhood and teen years. Look at them together and ask Dad to tell you stories about the time in his life when each picture was taken. Gather some pictures of yourself through the years and ask Dad to tell you about some of his favorite memories from when you were growing up. You could even show dad some recent pictures from your life. He’d probably love to hear about your friends, what you’ve been up to, and what makes you happy today.
Ask his opinion: A lot of the time we expect that Mom will just fill in Dad on the important details of our lives. But when we do this, we miss an opportunity to gather some valuable insight. A great way to get closer to your dad is to make sure to communicate with him directly, instead of through your mom. There’s a common misconception that moms will take care of a daughter’s needs and dad is the less important parent in a girl’s life. As we now know, dad is extremely important, and he brings different things to table. So, even if it doesn’t feel natural at first to ask Dad for advice, give it a try. Ask your dad for a chat, and tell him you’re interested in his opinion. Dad may be able to provide you with a unique perspective. He’ll definitely appreciate your trust and the fact that you came to him for help.
Have an adventure together: It’s often thought that dads are better at raising boys. But athleticism, adventurism, and assertiveness – some of the things that dads are good at teaching – are just as important for girls. Hang with dad and he could help pass these things onto you. Suggest going for a hike or a bike ride together. Ask dad what his favorite activity is and take an interest, just as you would want him to do for you. Create a new tradition of kayaking on a local lake, going for a Sunday morning walk, or find a sport you can play together or against each other – something that can be “your thing” together.
Your relationship with your dad is the standard by which you’ll gauge many other relationships in your life, with boyfriends or otherwise. It sets the tone and provides you with a template for all sorts of interactions. Your parents directly influence your identity in different ways. By getting to know your dad better, you’ll also get to know yourself.
Guest Post by: Amanda Berlin — a former teen — is a writer and fitness enthusiast living in New York City. For more visit www.amandaberlin.com.
