4 Ways to Make it Easier for Fathers to Communicate with Teenage Daughters

pola asuh anak

"4 Ways to Make Father Not Have Difficulty Communicating with His Teenage Daughter"

Often, the father becomes a rigid figure who is unwilling to compromise.

4 Ways to Make it Easier for Fathers to Communicate with Teenage Daughters

"Dream - Teenage years can be challenging for fathers and daughters. When a child becomes a teenager, it may be difficult for fathers to enter their world. Fathers sometimes become rigid and unwilling to compromise. The reason is to protect their beloved daughter."

"Darling, this actually strains their relationship. 'As parents, our role changes over time. As our child grows older, we need to play a role as a 'consultant' a lot," said Jerry Bubrick, PhD, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, quoted from Child Mind."

Consistently maintaining good communication during the transition moments of a daughter can indeed be very challenging and emotionally draining for a father. To keep it going well, try the following things, which are highly recommended by child psychologists.

1. Be a good listener.

When children are young, we always tell them things like "don't touch hot water" and "don't talk to strangers". In adolescence, that cannot be applied. Their thinking becomes critical, they have their own arguments. Discuss the problem together instead of just providing solutions. Open a discussion, this will help the beloved daughter feel more comfortable coming to her father when she has a problem, helping the beloved daughter feel more comfortable coming to her father when she has a problem.

"Instead of making decisions for them, try to guide them to make smart decisions for themselves," said Bubrick.

Jerry Bubrick, PhD, clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute

2. Discussion, Don't Just Dictate

Communicating in a non-authoritarian manner does not mean abandoning all rules. Always provide space for discussion and negotiation. This gives children the opportunity to express what is most important to them, so that they feel supported. "When the discussion is opened, it means we are trying to understand the child, and in turn, the child will prepare their arguments. From here, we can share experiences and provide guidance, not rigid commands," said Bubrick.

3. Don't be stingy with compliments.

When girls are in their teenage years, the problem they often face is self-confidence issues. Especially when it comes to appearance. As girls grow up, mothers tend to take the lead in personal conversations and offer support and encouragement, while fathers tend to be spectators. It is better for fathers to be more proactive, especially in giving compliments. For example, when the child is dressed in bright colors, when their test results are good, or when they cook, give compliments. This will greatly impact their self-confidence.

4. Let the Child Lead

Short conversations on the way to or from school are indeed enjoyable, but to truly build a relationship, fathers also need to engage with what their daughters are interested in. It can be as simple as listening to their favorite music together, watching shows with them, or accompanying them somewhere. "The most important thing is to let them take the lead, communicate that the father appreciates their interests. This will make teenage girls feel understood and valued. In the end, communication becomes better and smoother," said Burbick.

So fathers, try to make an effort to adjust your communication with your beloved daughter. A warm relationship will have a significant impact on her future mental health, including the psychological well-being of the father. Enjoy fatherhood!