Daddy's girl

There are several reasons why adult daughters can feel disconnected from their fathers. For many, Mom was the primary caregiver and Dad was the emotionally distant provider.

Perhaps your father was the breadwinner and was, often, away from the family. And even when he was home, Mom was usually in charge. In many families, Dad was "King of the Castle" -- authoritarian, meting out discipline, or laying down rules.

Despite the challenges of father/daughter relationships, many women feel a sense of being special to their father. Often, though, women carry a sense of an unresolved past or the emptiness of a disconnected relationship with their dad.

Here are some ways to help build stronger father-daughter bonds:

1. Challenge family patterns
Acknowledge the routines that block you from having a good relationship with your dad. For example, if your father hands the phone to your mother every time you call, consider asking to speak to him for a while first. If your dad is domineering, find ways to disallow him from controlling you. Stand up to him, if that feels safe.

2. Venture into uncharted territory
Work toward evolving an adult friendship with him. Show your dad the adult side of yourself by talking to him about your job or your life. Consider opening up to him about a problem or issue you are dealing with.

3. Create your own memories
Initiate a separate and distinct relationship with your dad. It can be easy to relate to our parents as a unit when, in fact, Mom and Dad are two separate individuals. Invite your father out to lunch or over for dinner. Recall the things you enjoyed doing together when you were growing up. Take initiative to resume some of these things, such as getting tickets to a hockey game and going to the event together.

Page 1 of 2 -- Discover three more ways to strengthen your father-daughter bond on page 2