Being a parent is much harder than steering your daughter in the right direction. It’s about steering her, watching as she falls, picking her up, cleaning her off, and putting her right back and steering her again. The cycle goes on and on. There are certain milestones in a daughter’s life that take extra help and extra knowledge. Let’s look at some of them.
When your daughter hits puberty, she is scared and confused. She doesn’t know what is going on and is worried that it might hurt her and she might not know what to do about the changes that are happening. She has many emotions and feelings that are making her upset and feel different from what she was feeling. Luckily, she has you there to help her. Let her know that you went through it too. Everyone goes through puberty and has to deal with the changes it brings. Let her know about what is going on, that it is going to be ok, and that you are there if she has any other questions or if you just want to talk.
When your daughter starts driving, you will probably go crazy. You will wonder where all the time went because you can remember the day you brought her home from the hospital. You will start crying because you can’t believe she’s old enough. Then you will realize that she is driving. You will panic because you know she doesn’t really know what she is doing.
The best thing to do when you are teaching your daughter how to drive is to be calm. If you are nervous and anxious, she will be a million more times that. Driving can be extremely nerve wracking, but driving when you don’t know how is much much worse. Take your daughter to a high school parking lot or somewhere where there is a lot of empty space. Go slowly. Teach her the basics of driving first, like how to put on the turn signals. Maybe have her try to park first. Teach her how to parallel park too. Then have her start driving around the parking lot. When you feel that she is comfortable enough and you feel that she is good enough, have her start driving on the roads. Start out small and then get bigger. Stay calm too.
When your daughter has her first date, she will probably be a nervous wreck. She will want to look perfect and want everything to happen like a dream. Help her get ready, if she wants, remind her of her moral standards, without being pushy or annoying just say a little something, and don’t be obnoxious when meeting her date. Let them know what time you expect your daughter back and wish them fun and good luck. When she gets back, ask her how it went, and talk with her. Realize that this is an important time in her life and a time that it’s important she knows that you know she’s growing up and is changing.
When your daughter has her first kiss or any other really special moment in life, don’t over shadow the moment by being worried. Teenagers won’t usually remember the things you tell them on the way out the door but will remember all the things you have taught them before. Relax and wait until your daughter gets home. Then talk to her and let her know that you are interested in her life and being a part of it.
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to