Of all the bonds between family members, those between fathers and daughters are sometimes the closest but are often also the most tenuous. And while many do acknowledge the importance of a father in a boy's life, the huge impact a father has on his daughter is less publicized and more elusive.

Many daughters crave a better relationship with their fathers but are unsure how to approach their dads. Many fathers desire closer bonds with their daughters but are similarly perplexed. Since 1990 Dr. Linda Nielsen of Wake Forest University has taught the only university course in the country that focuses exclusively on father-daughter relationships.

Nielsen, a professor of Adolescent Psychology & Women's Studies, is the author of the new book "Embracing Your Father: How to Build the Relationship You Always Wanted with Your Dad ." While there are many books about mother-daughter relationships, Nielsen's is the only one written for daughters about specific ways to strengthen their relationships with their fathers.

Dr. Stephen Johnson, founder of the Men's Center Los Angeles, often works with fathers seeking to build or rebuild their bonds with their daughters.

Linda and Stephen joined Glenn on His Side with Glenn Sacks tonight, Sunday, May 23, at 9 PM PST.

To learn more about fathers and daughters, see Linda Nielsen's Demeaning, Demoralizing &Disenfranchising Divorced Dads (Journal of Divorce & Remarriage), Fathers &Daughters--Why a Course for College Students? (College Student Journal) and Excerpts from Embracing Your Father.

Also, see an ancient Glenn Sacks article, Father Care: The Other Child Care Option (W. New York Family Magazine, 6/01).

 

Listen to the show (MP3 format)