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Making the Connection
Helping Dads Forge Son and Daughter Bonds By Gina Roberts-Grey, LCSW
w her the fun of getting in touch with nature. Take her along on a day trip to your favorite fishing spot, or find a new spot together. An afternoon spent dipping her toes in the water beside Dad will lend to insightful father-daughter talks. She'll savor entertaining you as her guest at a picnic tea party. Add a fatherly touch by having your tea on a blanket during halftime of a sporting event.
Marc Ginsberg is the father of three daughters from Hoffman Estates, Ill., who is all too familiar with how overwhelming it can be to relate to young ladies. "I knew I wanted to share in their experiences, so one day I asked my girls if I could accompany them for their hair cuts instead of my wife," he says. "After they got over the shock of dad tagging along, we went for their hair appointments and afterward out for a 'King and Princess' lunch."
"Exposing her to your favorite pastimes will create another opportunity to diversify her interests," says Nelson. Have a daddy-daughter day of dress-up with a unique twist. Let her try on your favorite team jerseys, sporting equipment or work ties and shoes. Handy dads can show off their carpentry skills and construct a new butterfly catcher or doll bed with their young daughter. Decorate the new masterpiece together using a combination of both your favorite colors. Start a new tradition and spend an afternoon reading together in the library where you can find new favorite books to share together.
Now the father of three young children, Dan Boyko realizes he's giving his children a lifetime of cherished memories. "Knowing that using part creativity, part logic and part instinct I can build a special relationship with them has been beneficial for all of us," he says.
Demonstrate your respect for the differences between you and accept that you appreciate your child's passions while still sharing a similar passionate spirit. "Beginning to understand their opinions and interests when they're young will build the foundation to better understand and communicate with each other as children mature into adolescents and young adults," says Dr. Mercer.