Im a single dad of a 14 year old daughter. How do I convince her Im not the enemy?

Question

Im a single dad of a 14 year old daughter. How do I convince her Im not the enemy?

Answer 1

hi---if you can stand One more...my kids are 26 and 20...yes-you, too will make it through to the other side of the teens yrs. I just asked alot of questions..when your daughter makes a statement--ask her why?..this one word question will let you know what she thinks-her opinions-will show her you're interested in knowing these things, shows you care..now This is the tricky part-whatEver she says--your first reaction is Very Very important..teens are hyper-sensitive to disapproval, critism, etc., when I would hear shocking things--I would tell my kids that I was so amazed at how different things are-and told them what it was like when I was a teen. If I didn't understand something-I said..help me to understand..teen years are difficult because they're in the process of making your rules, their rules and they're actively testing them out. It's my opinion that as parents we're here to guide our kids into adulthood..when they make a decision-and the results are good--I'd talk with my kids about that...when it was bad--I'd talk with them about that, too...that's how humans learn-by making mistakes..teach her how to learn from her mistakes. If she has friends or a boyfriend that you don't like-do Not forbid her to see them--you need Her to see why they aren't good to have around-so..ask questions...invite her friends to the house..and always ask her what she thinks-because for her to answer you--she really has to think about why she thinks what she is-and she may question herself--well..why do I think this?..is it Her thoughts or what?...

and always Always ... tell her how very lucky you are to have her as your daughter...hang in there kid-o..

Answer 2

Give her space and ask her opinion about how you are handling situations. What I mean is that once in a while sit down with her and let her know that whatever she says in the following serious discussion she will not be punished for. Then, let her tell you what things she is not agreeing with such as rules, regulations, expectations or communications and responsibilities. Validate her concerns by thanking her for being open and honest with you and let her know that you care about her. At that point you need to decide if there is anything that you can give a little on and explain to her what you would be willing to do to accomodate her. Then, stick with it dad. She will respect you more because you have her feelings and needs in mind and are willing to change the rules or expectations a little in order to show her some respect as well.

Answer 3

there is a fine line between being a dad and a friend. treat her as much as an adult as possible remembering that at the same time she still needs to be sheltered. its easy to get caught up in tring so hard to be a friend that you forget that your the parent as well. keep a firm grasp of the rules but at the same time, try to have more one on one fun time as well. pay attention to her intrests and get excited about them. if she likes to play soccer, suprise her by taking her to the local soccer game. it will give a bonding enviorment. but dont try to buy her attention. little girls are very smart when it comes to things like that. theyll smell it and take advantage. (they are female after all.)

Answer 4

The best thing that you can do is to listen. Listeneing to her lets her know that you care how she feels about things, let her talk and get it All out before you blow up or say something that she wont like to hear. The only way to be a good parent is to have good communication and good listening skills.

Answer 5

treat her as you want her to be treated, i should be able to tell you my dads not single and im only 13 but still its more or less the samr concept. you have to be carefull because theres a line between being in her life and controlling it, being her friend and being the adult, also theres some what alot of her wanting you there but not wanting you too be all over her life.

Answer 6

well it is like being a single mother of a 13 year old boy. i like to incourage my son to do the things that he is good at and let him know that i am here. i also have learned that they need their privacy as well. i have one thing that i tell all of my boys when they tell me they hate me, tell me that i am not a cool parent.... i am not here for you to like i am here to make sure that you grow up into the men(or woman in your case) i know you can be, i am your mother(father in your case) first and your friend second. they know where i stand and i have had alot of success with that. also you have to have good sense of humor. dont let everything she says to get to you because in truth she knows that you love her and she loves you as well. she is finding her independance and wants to keep that. give her some but not to much. hope it works out for you.

Answer 7

show her u care.. let her know u want to spend quality time with her...

and be interested in her and her life, like find out what she likes and do it for her!

impress her she would feel like ure not an enemy!!!

good luck

Answer 8

you are the enemy...



you have to cast your line before you reel in a fish.



give her the space she needs and be there for the tough times. kids still must grow up for themselves.

Answer 9

whatever you do, don't attack her! thats the first thing enemys do