Ep. 91 – 5 Common Mistakes Dad’s Make With Their Teen Daughters Pt. 5: Communicating Through Someone Else
In the final installment of their series on mistakes dads make with their teenage daughters, “Ep.91 – 5 Common Mistakes Dad’s Make with their teen Daughters Pt.5: Communicating Through Someone Else,” hosts Joshua, Lucas, and Eric of the “Empowering Choices” podcast delve into the pitfalls of indirect communication within families. This episode particularly focuses on the damaging effects of using children as intermediaries in conversations that should occur directly between adults or between parents and children. Eric introduces the topic by discussing how, especially in strained or separated families, parents might ask their daughters to relay messages to the other parent. He explains, “it becomes something that can put space and conflict between you and your daughter,” highlighting how this can burden the child with adult responsibilities and potentially lead to resentment. Lucas extends the discussion to the scenario where a dad might use the mom to communicate with the daughter, avoiding direct interaction, which could be equally harmful by weakening the father-daughter relationship. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of fostering direct and open lines of communication. Eric advises, “Mom carrying dad’s message…You’re eliminating yourself from having that moment in the relationship with your child.” He argues that direct interaction helps build trust and understanding, crucial for a healthy relationship as the child navigates teenage challenges. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of such communication habits, including how they might affect a child’s ability to handle confrontations and communicate openly in their own relationships. Lucas points out, “If they’re going to do what you’re saying and you discipline them, and I come home, I’m going to back you up. You know, that’s the message they need to receive.” To conclude, the episode serves as a reminder to parents about the importance of being present and engaged in direct communications with their children. This approach not only supports healthier relationships but also empowers teenagers to become confident and independent individuals. As the series wraps up, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their communication styles and consider the lasting impact these interactions have on their children.
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