New Stage of Life

Well, I'm now officially the father of a teenager. My daughter is 13 today (well, at around 3:00 PM this arvo).
Wish me luck people!

(seriously, though. She's gonna be a great teen. She has wonderful values, despite my flawed parenting, and I'm very proud of her)

If I may be so bold, I offer you this unsolicited advice:

Keep hugging her and kissing her and telling her she's loved.
Let her sit on your lap no matter how big she gets.
Hold her hand at home and in public.
Teach her that modesty has more to do with her heart than the clothes she's wearing (boys need to learn this too).
Most importantly, let her cry on your shoulder and don't say a word. This is hard because dads want to fix their little girl's problems. Don't. Bite your tongue and cry with her.
Don't treat her like a princess, treat her like a sister-in-Christ.
Don't make jokes about her body.
Pray with her (something I don't do enough of).
Don't compare her to your wife.

I could go on. I have 2 teenage daughters and next year I'll have three. I also have 2 teenage boys. You're going to shed a lot more tears and worry more than you ever have. Cast your cares on Jesus (easier said than done) and be prepared for long, uncomfortable conversations.

Despite all this, things are about to get really cool. You're going to watch your daughter grow into a woman. It's fascinating! It's an adventure! Have fun!

jorowi wrote: You're going to shed a lot more tears and worry more than you ever have. Cast your cares on Jesus (easier said than done) and be prepared for long, uncomfortable conversations.

(Paeter quietly does some math, contemplating the already present "SHORT uncomfortable conversations" with his ten year old becoming increasingly uncomfortable and longer.)

Paeter: Two and half years. I've got two and half... Deep breaths... Oh! Uh, let me know how all that goes, Adam!

Thanks, John. Your advice is very much appreciated.
I'll take this stuff to heart.

jorowi wrote:
Don't treat her like a princess, treat her like a sister-in-Christ.

I'd be interested to dig into this one a bit more. From a practical standpoint, how would you describe the difference?

jorowi wrote:You're going to shed a lot more tears and worry more than you ever have.

Ouch.

jorowi wrote:Cast your cares on Jesus (easier said than done) and be prepared for long, uncomfortable conversations.

Yes, not always easy. But I think I've now decided what piece of scripture I'm going to start memorising...
One thing I've always considered a blessing is that my daughter has always been willing to talk to me about how she feels, and things that are troubling. I pray I can provide an environment where she will continue to be comfortable doing so.

jorowi wrote:Despite all this, things are about to get really cool. You're going to watch your daughter grow into a woman. It's fascinating! It's an adventure! Have fun!

Based on current evidence of her character, I'm very much looking forward to seeing who she grows up to be.