Ep. 80 – 5 Mistakes Dad’s Make With Their Teen Daughters: Part 1
In the opening episode of “Ep.80 – 5 Mistakes Dads Make With Their Teen Daughters Pt.1,” the hosts, Joshua, Lucas, and Erik, licensed professional counselors, dive into the complexities fathers face while raising teenage daughters. Erik shares his insights on why they chose this topic: “What I was looking for is what are parents struggling with in our culture today?” This episode particularly focuses on the mistake of disengaging physically, which often begins at the onset of puberty. Erik recounts a poignant story about a father who became awkward with his daughter as she entered puberty, reflecting a common unease among dads. “Ever since she had breast development, I don’t know how to touch her. I don’t want people to think that I’m a child molester,” the father confessed. This fear, although irrational, is a significant stressor for many fathers who then inadvertently distance themselves from their daughters. Erik suggests practical ways to maintain physical affection without discomfort, emphasizing the importance of adapting but not withdrawing. The discussion highlights the broader societal messages that influence parental behavior. Lucas mentions, “The tone of how puberty is described to boys versus girls…girls don’t feel like being a woman is okay.” This disparity often leads to a decrease in self-esteem and increased anxiety among girls about their bodies and roles. The counselors discuss how such societal cues can shape parental actions, often to the detriment of father-daughter relationships. Further exploring the impact of societal expectations, the episode touches on how modern parenting advice, like asking a baby’s permission before changing their diaper, might be well-intentioned but unrealistic. Erik criticizes the extreme approaches, “It’s not going to work the way you think because bad guys don’t operate that way.” This segment underscores the necessity for parents to use common sense and maintain a protective, yet loving and open relationship with their children. The episode wraps up with advice for fathers feeling uncertain about navigating physical affection with their teenage daughters. “Hug your daughters, continue to touch your daughters, play with your daughters,” Erik advises, underscoring that maintaining a loving relationship through physical affection is crucial for a daughter’s development and well-being. The hosts encourage fathers to discuss their concerns with their partners and remain actively engaged in their daughters’ lives, helping them navigate the challenges of growing up with confidence and support.
Responses