So, I am hoping some other parents can help out with advice. You're probably more experienced about raising kids than I am.
Background: A am a single dad. My daughter just turned 12. For the last year, I've been away doing military stuff, and my ex was nice enough to raise her (we have a good relationship still). Now that I am back, I get full custody of Maddy, and her mom is on the West Coast.
I used to be a great father, and I think I still am. It's just that a lot has changed in a year. One of the first things that I thought about when I came back was how much Maddy has changed - she's going through a growth spurt and not the little girl that used to be daddy's princess anymore. I am fine with that. In fact, I think this is the age when she needs me most.
Problem: I feel awkward around Maddy, as if she's a completely new person, because she's growing and such. Although I have reservations about being affection as I once was, I realize that she is still my daughter and still needs love. But I still feel uncomfortable.
Yet, the biggest problem is that I am afraid she's growing too fast. I missed out on a year of her life and all the sudden, she's turning into a young woman before my eyes. I am uncomfortable with the fact that somehow she's not my little girl anymore. It's this irrational feeling every father has, I think.
Emotionally she's growing to be more stable and mature, and intellectually she's developing into a curious, wonderful young woman. She's physically changing, too - and that's probably the toughest part.
I wish her mom were here to deal with issues that are specifically women-oriented, but I'll gladly step into the role. It's just hard and awkward shopping for clothes and such, as well as the everyday interaction.
And then there are worries that come with her growing. Though we keep an open line of communications and both her mom and I have talked to her about choices and sex and such, what worries me is not her decision-making skills, or even the boys -- as they are boys and are also silly and awkward. What I worry about is just society and men. Already, I can see leering eyes from men, and I know exactly what they're thinking, and I just have irrational fears.
Maybe it's just me coming to terms with her growing, or perhaps I am just getting adjusted to life back in the States, but either way, it's a lot of irrrational fears and worries. My dad once warned me that I'd be worried and I brushed it off. But it's starting to come true. I just hate that she's ... going through this transitional stage.
I am not sure if I have a specific question. It's just ... feels different being a dad.
Can anyone relate? Thoughts? Advice?
Background: A am a single dad. My daughter just turned 12. For the last year, I've been away doing military stuff, and my ex was nice enough to raise her (we have a good relationship still). Now that I am back, I get full custody of Maddy, and her mom is on the West Coast.
I used to be a great father, and I think I still am. It's just that a lot has changed in a year. One of the first things that I thought about when I came back was how much Maddy has changed - she's going through a growth spurt and not the little girl that used to be daddy's princess anymore. I am fine with that. In fact, I think this is the age when she needs me most.
Problem: I feel awkward around Maddy, as if she's a completely new person, because she's growing and such. Although I have reservations about being affection as I once was, I realize that she is still my daughter and still needs love. But I still feel uncomfortable.
Yet, the biggest problem is that I am afraid she's growing too fast. I missed out on a year of her life and all the sudden, she's turning into a young woman before my eyes. I am uncomfortable with the fact that somehow she's not my little girl anymore. It's this irrational feeling every father has, I think.
Emotionally she's growing to be more stable and mature, and intellectually she's developing into a curious, wonderful young woman. She's physically changing, too - and that's probably the toughest part.
I wish her mom were here to deal with issues that are specifically women-oriented, but I'll gladly step into the role. It's just hard and awkward shopping for clothes and such, as well as the everyday interaction.
And then there are worries that come with her growing. Though we keep an open line of communications and both her mom and I have talked to her about choices and sex and such, what worries me is not her decision-making skills, or even the boys -- as they are boys and are also silly and awkward. What I worry about is just society and men. Already, I can see leering eyes from men, and I know exactly what they're thinking, and I just have irrational fears.
Maybe it's just me coming to terms with her growing, or perhaps I am just getting adjusted to life back in the States, but either way, it's a lot of irrrational fears and worries. My dad once warned me that I'd be worried and I brushed it off. But it's starting to come true. I just hate that she's ... going through this transitional stage.
I am not sure if I have a specific question. It's just ... feels different being a dad.
Can anyone relate? Thoughts? Advice?