Fathers and Teen Daughters

The Greatest Gift

The most important gift a father can offer a daughter is time. The gift of time communicates acceptance and builds a girl's confidence.

Learn about her interests.

Grab a calendar. Spend time with her. If you don't already have a regular visitation day, try scheduling a weekly activity, like visiting the library, volunteering, or cooking Sunday breakfast.

Do something hands-on. Help her learn life skills such as tennis, canoeing, or mowing the lawn. Girls who have these experiences are less intimidated by competition and are more ambitious, says Ron Klinger, founder of the Center for Successful Fathering in Austin, Texas.

Feed her interests. Whether it's a gymnastics meet, a musical recital, or a math contest, a dad can support his daughter by attending her events and cheering her on, and learning to enjoy the activity. If you're divorced but on good terms with your ex, ask her to keep you informed of upcoming events if your daughter is less than comnmunicative.