I'm missing my dad

I received an e-mail from my dad, and I was happy to hear from him. He let me know what he and my stepmom and sisters have been up to, but then he said he is busy with work. I sent a reply asking if the two of us could talk more, and he never got back to me. I don’t want to bug him, but I want to tell him how important it is to have some one-on-one time.

Dear Missing My Dad,

You aren’t the only girl who years from greater closeness with a parent, and your feelings can weigh heavily on you. Instead of stating your desire for quality time, ask a specific question about when you two can visit. E-mail something like, “Which is better for you, the first or third week of June? It’ll be fun to catch up.”

Sound upbeat rather than needy or frustrated because, fair or not, it is easier to jump-start your relationship from a positive place. It might help, too, to vent in a diary or talk with your mom or a school counselor.

Keep expectations realistic and here’s hoping you and your dad find things you enjoy doing together. Good Luck!

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POSTED IN dealing with divorce, remarried