Today, I recruited my best friend’s amazing husband, Kenya to share his experience with raising not just a teenager, but a teenage daughter. We often focus on the little ones, but those young-ins will be teenagers before we know it! These tips are fantastic to start thinking about NOW! 

{We are 5 days out from Father’s Day 2014 and to honor the men in our lives, we are turning over the blogging reins to some pretty special dads this week. Check out all of our dads this week as they share their joys, regrets, and journeys to fatherhood with Austin Dads Blog.}

Being a father to a 15 year old, I’ve learned a lot about myself over the years with my teenager that will better prepare me for my other daughter who is 2 (going on 3) years old.

As Father’s Day approaches I wanted to reflect and share some of the things I’ve learned about raising a teenager that I think all dads should do.

1) Talk to her about boys

Tell her the truth about boys. As a man and a father you can teach her about the friendship, relationships, sex and love. You can teach her how to spot a good man and how to know when she is getting the run around. The idea is to make her aware not afraid.

2) Always check her room

This is the one thing that shocked me the most! Don’t assume that because she’s a girl, she knows good housekeeping habits. At times they can be just as dirty (or dirtier) than boys. Their room can be considered a hurricane disaster site with clothes thrown everywhere.

3) Talk to her about being happy with her looks

The father plays an important role in the way a daughter feels about herself.

Girls of today are killing themselves to try and keep up with the people we see on the TV, in magazines and in movies. It is important that fathers show their girls that they are beautiful as they are.

4) Teach her the value of continuous education

Education is one of the most important things a person can have, and there is nothing more powerful and attractive than a woman with beauty and brains. Reinforce this with your daughter by not only showing interest in her extra-curricular activities, but by showing even greater interest in their academic activities and progress.

5) Teach her how to be independent

Teach your daughter how to pay bills and manage personal finance, car maintenance, how to cook and do general chores around the house. This will better prepare her for real world responsibilities when she is on her own.

6) Introduce her to new foods and help expand her palette to help her be more cultured

Food is a great way to introduce new cultures to your child without traveling the world. Try to introduce new meals in the home or when you go out as a family. It will open her mind to trying new things and create interest in getting to know the world- and not just the place she grew up.

7) Communicate, communicate, communicate

Give her an open forum to talk with you and express her mind. If you see something wrong, don’t be afraid to ask about it. Talk to her and find out what is going on in her life. Get to know her friends!

8) Teach her how to defend herself physically

Women are often thought to be weak. Show her how to defend herself physically and verbally. Show her scenarios of when to talk her way out of trouble. Show her when to walk or run away. Show her when and how to fight.

9) Force her to spend time with the entire family

At 15, most times, she would rather be with friends but family time will teach her family values and feel loved from both parents. Random getaways will get her out of the house to explore, learn, exercise, and relax. School can be stressful as well and she will definitely need her time away to prepare for the next week.

10) Be the example

Treat her mother the way you want men to treat her.

When you raise a daughter, you start to understand she’s just as strong as everyone else, a soul on fire with the same life and gifts and passion as any man. Actions do have power and a father’s words aren’t different words, but they are words with a radically different meaning. She is always learning and watching your every step!!!!