Hey dads, I need some help here. As a dad of three girls (6, 9, and 11), I sometimes feel like I’m navigating uncharted waters. There are a lot of conversations that come up about growing up, friendships, feelings, and everything “girly” and honestly, some of them feel a bit uncomfortable for me. I want to be there for them and have these conversations in a way that feels natural but I also don’t want to mess it up or make them feel awkward around me. How do you other dads handle these talks? Do you let them come to you, or do you initiate? And how do you stay involved without it getting weird for them or me? Any tips or advice would be awesome.
I totally get where you’re coming from, Jason. I’ve got two daughters myself and those conversations can feel daunting. What’s worked for me is being open from the start about small things…like asking about their day or what’s going on with their friends. It creates a habit of chatting so when bigger stuff comes up, they already feel comfortable talking to me. I also learned it’s okay not to have all the answers. Sometimes just listening and saying, “I’m here for you,” is all they need. You got this, man. They’ll remember that you cared enough to try.
It can feel awkward, no doubt, but the key is consistency. One thing I’ve found helpful is scheduling regular one onone time with each of them. We call it “dad and me time,” and they choose what we do, whether it’s grabbing ice cream or just going for a walk. That way, they know they have my attention, and it creates opportunities for them to bring things up naturally. When it comes to “girly” stuff, I’ve also leaned on books that explain things well like puberty guides made for girls so if they have questions, I can direct them there or use the info to guide the conversation myself. It’s not always smooth, but the effort matters more than perfection.
Thanks everyone. This is very useful.