Father Daughter Relationships During Divorce
Children play a central role in divorce cases. When couples with children divorce, child custody is often the most important issue in the case. The custody laws help determine whether to grant joint custody, the scope of visitation rights, child support, and much more.
But as a Chicago divorce lawyer, I know that there’s more to the divorce process than just the legal rules. It’s crucial for divorcing and divorced parents to maintain a healthy relationship with their children through the divorce process and beyond. I’ve previously written about the way new technology affects parenting.
One aspect of parenting that can be particularly important is the relationship between fathers and daughters. The father-daughter relationship has a lasting effect. Research suggests that a close father-daughter relationship can improve the daughter’s psychological and emotional well-being. And it’s not just a one-way street; studies show that having a daughter may make a father change his social and political ideas.
A recent study at Baylor University offers an insight into how to develop a healthy father-daughter relationship: shared activities. In the study, 43 father-daughter pairs were asked to describe a turning point in their relationship. The leading answer was a shared activity. Participating in sports together tended to be a common example. Fathers who helped coach their daughters’ sports teams or even just attended the matches developed strong connections through that process. The researchers suggest that any shared activity can help develop this bond. One researcher suggests that participating in untraditional activities for fathers such as shopping for a prom dress can be helpful to strengthen the relationship.
Some researchers call this form of bonding “closeness in the doing,” rather than “closeness in the dialogue.” At times, it may be difficult for fathers to offer a listening ear to their daughters, because they might not relate to certain circumstances. It’s helpful in these circumstances to be able to find other means of bonding.
This research gives insight into any father-daughter relationship, but it’s especially important throughout the divorce process. Divorce or separation can be a major strain on any parent’s relationship with his or her children. This study offers one way to maintain the father-daughter bond during the difficult transition of divorce. Whether a father has sole custody, joint custody, or visitation rights in the divorce case, knowing that activities are a great way to bond can keep the relationship strong.
What are some activities you and your child share?
