QUESTION: I am a single mom with an 11-year-old
daughter, whose father has chosen not to participate much in her upbringing.
She has actually articulated to me that she feels her father doesn't
love her. I believe her attitude toward her father is a cover-up for
the hurt she feels from his rejection. My greatest fear is that she
will seek out the comfort of teenage boys. What can I do to reassure
her that boyfriends are not a substitute for a father's love?
ANSWER: Your daughter's emotional openness
to you is a sign that she is ready to embark upon a journey which
will help her understand the reality of who her father is and who
he is not. This process will help her form realistic expectations,
rather than experience endless pain and disappointment.
The essence of adolescence is to establish a true
and separate sense of self. Do not fear this process, instead embrace
it as an opportunity for strengthening her identity. Working though
her feelings about her father will help her be more discriminating
in her relationships, not less so!
While it may be true that her father loves her in
the best way he can love, it is also painfully apparent that he has
not been capable of putting her needs first. Support your daughter's
ability to cope with the facts, and be careful about projecting despair
that can manifest into helplessness, rather than helping her cope
with her situation. Also, be aware of the possibility that your own
anxieties may color what you see. For example, you may overreact to
normal dating in her teenage years if you are looking at your daughter
as wounded instead of capable.
Do not underestimate the power of having you as her
role model. Address her pain and help her identify her feelings, needs
and what she wants for herself. Believe in her, as well as her ability
to create healthy relationships.
Your daughter's self-esteem is an evolving process.
Her capacity to face the reality of her relationship with her father,
with your love and support, is a part of what will strengthen her.
Her identity is not formed from her father's actions, but from what
she comes to understand about herself.
Children need only one good parent to develop in ways
that are healthy. As long as you are willing to discuss her feelings
and develop your own ability to be strong and consistent in your discipline,
your daughter will have no reason to substitute an adolescent boy
for parental bonding. Instead, she may simply enjoy healthy dating!
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