What My Teenage Daughter Needs From Me

3 Ways to Actively Prepare for Parenting an Adolescent --

Not too long ago I became the father of a teenage daughter. I've been informed that she really really really needs tickets to see the Jonas brothers but for now we'll focus on a few needs that I can afford.

She needs to be taken seriously -- I can sense that being independent is key. She wants to be treated like someone that is important to me and not just an interruption to Law & Order.

Sure she can go from happy to angry in 5 minutes, but so can I when I'm watching the Oklahoma Sooners play football.

She needs me to care about what she thinks -- When my daughter experiences an emotional nuclear event (usually I'm ground zero) she doesn't want advice or a Bible verse about controlling her anger she just wants me to care about what she's feeling and thinking. That I'm not prying into her life but willing to enter if she lets me.

She needs me to walk with her, not drag her, through the next 8-10 years. -- She needs a teacher, not a judge. A guide, not a boss. A friend, more than a protector.

Believe it or not, I'm a normal, neanderthal type of guy.

I sometimes pretend to listen when my teenage daughter is talking about boys, boobs, and barbie dolls (sometimes in the same sentence). I get upset when she interrupts me during NCIS. Sometimes I even tease her about her cooking or her choice of clothes.

But I'm making a leadership choice here.....

I'm choosing to be a different kind of father. I will look beyond her behavior and her tendency to push me out.

I know that adolescence is a hard time and that she loves and needs me even if she can't (or won't) admit it.

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Daughters & Dads: Building a Lasting Relationship By Chap & Dee Clark / NAV Press Do you find it difficult to communicate with your teenage daughter? Are you at a loss because "Daddy's little girl" is growing up? This father-and-daughter team understands. Their sensitive, honest exploration of the father/daughter relationship puts into words the things your daughter has trouble telling you, guiding you both toward a more open, loving relationship.