To Discouraged Dads Of Daughters

Many of you fathers, especially those of you who are divorced, feel very discouraged about your relationships with your daughters.  I have listened to your daughters for years now and if they could articulate their feelings, I believe this is what they would say to you:

Dear Dad,

I know that you feel like you don’t know me because we never see each other. And, when we do, it seems as though we always fight. I’m sorry about this because I hate fighting as much as you do. I’m confused. I miss you but I have no clue as to how to reach out to you. I know that you want to give up on me but please, please don’t. I need you.

I get mad at you and sometimes (a lot) I wonder if you even love me. You’re always busy doing other things and I feel lonely. Life is hard. There’s so much I don’t understand but I do know this. I can’t make it without you in my life. Maybe Mom can, but I can’t. You are my only Dad, no one else can be you.  I know this may be hard for you to believe, but it’s true. Sometimes I cry and worry what will happen to me if you aren’t in my life. I even think I won’t make it if you don’t love me. I don’t know what to say to you when we talk because I’m just a kid. I just want you to know that I NEED YOU.

Please, whatever you do, don’t give up on me.

Love from,

Your daughter