Forging A New Relationship with Dad

Did you find that a relationship with your father was simple when you were a child? The chance is good that you put very little thought into the relationship and followed his lead. Maybe you relished helping him work on projects during the weekend or you have fond memories of him bringing home special surprises for you after a work trip. Whether your father played an active role in your daily upbringing or was more a passing presence, there wasn’t much that you could do to deepen your connection with him.

As the years passed and you grew up, did you also grow away from your father? Many people find it difficult to maintain a deep connection to their dad as they grow out of childhood. This disconnection can be caused by so many factors and exacerbated by time, age and a culture that often makes it feel difficult for men to express their emotions. Don’t be afraid to exert the effort to overcome these factors to forge a new relationship with your father.

Whether you are estranged from your father or simply want to have a better relationship with the man who raised you, following these tips can help you build a stronger connection to your father.

Open the Lines of Communication

Let your dad know that you’re thinking of him and take the first step to opening up the lines of communication. Think about how you communicate best with each other and reach out to him in a way that he will receive the message. What matters most is that you issue a clear and direct invitation without a middleman. Go directly to the source!

Set A Date…And Keep It

Set a date and commit to spending time together. Put it on the calendar and highlight it. Don’t let other obligations creep in as excuses for not keeping this meeting. Even if you aren’t meeting in person, set aside time and a quiet place, free from interruptions, to have an in-depth conversation over the phone.

Invite Him Out

Sometimes the idea of having a face-to-face conversation is intimidating and can keep you from establishing a better connection with your father. Remember, you don’t always have to force the hard conversations. Try inviting your father out for an activity that you both enjoy, as long as it still leaves room for discussion.

This plan gives each of you room to let a conversation happen naturally and might be less intimidating. A planned outing also has the benefit of having a structured start and end time that can help ease any feelings of awkwardness or stress at the thought of an open-ended meeting.

Whether you find that Father’s Day is a holiday that brings up complex emotions or a day to get your dad another tie and golf-themed card, let it be your inspiration for reconnecting and establishing a stronger relationship with your father.