"I can only imagine how much this situation hurts your feelings. I think kids don't always realize that their parents are people, too, and that we actually really want them to want to be around us. But we have to give them space, and that's especially true during the teenage years when kids are trying to figure out who they are independent of their parents."
A father struggles with his 12-year-old daughter's withdrawn behavior and preference for her mother, contrasting sharply with their close relationship during her earlier childhood. Despite his consistent care—packing lunches, ensuring clean uniforms, and expressing love frequently—she gives minimal responses and explicitly states dislike for him. He recognizes this is typical pubescent behavior but seeks guidance. The advice acknowledges his emotional pain while emphasizing that adolescents need space and autonomy. Rather than forcing conversation or viewing her withdrawal as rejection, he should maintain his loving presence without demanding reciprocal engagement, allowing her to initiate connection on her own terms.
#parenting-adolescents #parent-child-relationships #puberty-and-development #communication-with-teenagers #emotional-distance
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