[Editor: The wonderful thing about social media is that the links to our posts can be blasted to tens of thousands of people. When this happens, we often get very meaningful advice from strangers who may never have heard of the Distant Dad Project. Two examples of this type of contributor follow in this post.
I sincerely hope that you will take a moment to message us with your own advice for our readers. Your life experiences may prove very significant to the good fathers that want better relationships with their daughters. Our address is distantdadproject@gmail.com. Thank you!]
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K.M.A. writes: Never underestimate the power of being engaged with them. Actually listening when they talk to you, call them to say "Hi, how was your day?" Ask who their best friend is, what they want to do. I have a lot of respect for my friends who let their daughters put makeup on them or paint their nails.
If you are divorced, help them know that they are important to you. Cook together, laugh together, dance if your kid wants you to dance with them, bake cookies/fix a meal together. The key word, TOGETHER. Make a mess, go fishing, be open to what they want. ~ K.M.A.
M.C. writes: Respect her opinions but keep in mind you're the adult. Too many times fathers want to be "friends" to keep their daughters from turning away from them. It isn't easy to let them know when they have stepped over a line, but when it's done in a firm but not over-the-top way, it will garner respect from her also.
If you say it, mean it. It's easy for teenage girls to try to manipulate your already insecure feelings (been there, done that) staying firm may be difficult but benefits both of you in the long run. ~ M.C.