by Cara Dack

Created on: February 16, 2009

It happens to the best of us, overnight your little princess turns into a stroppy teenager. One day she was obsessed with ponies and fairies and the next it's all training bras and make-up. It can be a hard enough transition without the big killer; suddenly you aren't the only man in her life! You begin to remember what you were like at that age and suspect every boy you see of being a sexual predator out to take advantage of your little girl's innocence. Yes fathering a teenage daughter is no walk in the park, even the best of families will have their tantrums and fall outs, but it doesn't have to be all bad. Just a few little adjustments can make these years that little bit less rocky: -

1. She's Confused Too

It's difficult when the little girl you knew and loved becomes a completely different, and not so nice, person; but you have to remember that she is probably just as confused as you. Teenagedom is a confusing minefield of hormones and peer pressure, body image and boys. It's difficult enough for grown women to cope with fluctuating hormone levels at times and even more so for your little girl. You need to relax and accept that sooner or later her mood swings will calm down.
Until then investing in a good pair of ear plugs may be in order!

2. She Needs to Experiment

There's nothing like the benefit of hindsight, everyone has those memories of their teenage years that they regret and it can be all too easy to try and spare your daughter that pain.
The truth is that some things she just needs to learn on her own. It can be difficult to watch, rather like watching something fall in slow motion, but it's necessary. I'm not suggesting that you should just step back and let her do whatever she wants, just that allowing her to have some minor experimentation will prevent her from acting out completely.

3. She Needs Your Trust

This links somewhat with the previous point but is very valid in its own right. Your daughter needs to know that you trust her and that any rules you do lay down aren't from a lack of faith in her behaviour.
Instead of automatically assuming the worst in any situation, sit down and explain any concerns you may have.
If she understands why you object to a certain party, for example, she is much more likely to obey. Give her the benefit of the doubt, contrary to popular opinion teenagers don't have an inbuilt desire to go out and misbehave whenever possible.

4. She's Still Your Little Girl

Hard as it may be to believe, deep down inside she is still your little princess, and little girls need their daddy. You are the man she will look up to throughout her life and your behaviour will mould her future relationships. Make the effort to keep those lines of communication open no matter how much of an exercise in futility it may seem. One day the tears and tantrums will be over and you will have a beautiful young adult who's more than happy to be daddy's girl again.

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