Just getting to know my 15 year old daughter

[FelixtheDog]

Hi, I'm a bloke who is just getting to know my 15 year old daughter after not really seeing her at all for about 13 years (long story, dont ask). She is remarkably beautiful and intelligent and well-rounded. I have seen her 5 times in the last 6 months but only for short visits and always with her mum (who is helping make this realy easy for me). I am taking her up to my dad's property for a day & a night at Easter and am wondering what sort of things she might like to do. For example, we will have a bonfire and look at stars with the telescope (we're in Australia so its warm)...but I wanted to make it interesting for her & even said she could bring a friend if she wanted...am I on the right track?

[lady_p_gold]

Well having been the child in a similar situation I would say that you are doing just fine, and to be honest she won't mind what you do, she just wants a dad ... and I would say just be yourself. I think you are totally on the right track and it is never too late to put things right. Also as things progress you might like to explain (or perhaps in a year or so) if there is anything that needs explaining, so that she can be absolutely sure she was loved and that the separation was something that was ... well I don't know the reason, but she needs to know you loved her throughout - you may think she knows but it doesn't help to re-affirm it in spades as there will have been some dark times when she felt sad and bewildered about it. Good luck and hope you have a long and happy relationship.

[lilacben]

Hi Felixthedog sounds ok with me what you are doing. 15 is a funny age as it is so tread carefully and dont go over the top just be yourself. How about lineing a few things up for the weekend and ask her what she would like to do.? just to be with you should be enough where you can both get to know each other. Girls need their dads so I am sure she will enjoy every minute. Let us know how you get on ok.?

[FelixtheDog]

Thanks so much Lady_p_gold and lilacben for your good advice & support. I am really looking forward to seeing her again.

[Pippa68]

I just wanted to say a big well done ~ you seem to be on the right track to me, too! good luck in building the relationship with your daughter :o)

[FelixtheDog]

Thanks also Pippa68. I wonder if 68 is the year you were born? It happens to be my year of birth.

[Pippa68]

Yes ~ I am a 68er :o) only just, though..born in January, although I was supposed to be born the previous December!

[FelixtheDog]

For those lovely people who responded with support to my question I am happy to report that I had a great time with Alex (my daughter) these last 2 days. We had a campfire and cooked damper, went for a bushwalk & saw frogs & snakes (which she loved), and looked at the stars with our telescope, spotting Jupiter and Saturn really clearly. The next day we went to see a big dam and drove over the top of it and took some great photos. I think she was a bit bored with all the driving but I let her put her radio station on in the car and got her safely home today. I am looking forward to doing other memorable things with her in the near future. Thanks again & Happy Easter.