How to stay connected with your daughter even when travel or work takes you away.

Whether you’re on a business trip, a deployment, or just headed out of town, being apart can be tough on both of you. But distance doesn’t have to mean disconnection. Let’s turn travel into an opportunity to build trust, anticipation, and closeness—no matter how many miles lie between you.

Why It Matters

Absence can create worries: “Is Dad thinking of me?” “Does he miss me?” When you’re intentional, you answer those questions before they’re asked. You show her that wherever you are, she’s always in your heart—and on your mind.

3 Practical Ways to Stay Connected While Traveling

1. Establish a “Virtual Ritual”

Pick a small, repeatable habit that you do together—no matter where you are.

• Morning Text Check-In: Send a photo of your coffee or sunrise and ask her how she slept.
• Evening Voice Note: Record a 30-second “goodnight” message sharing one thing you’re proud of her for.
• Daily Question Exchange: Each day, ask the same two questions—“What made you smile today?” and “What’s one thing you’re curious about?”

These micro-moments turn ordinary routines into emotional lifelines.

2. Share a Digital “Adventure Journal”

Use a shared photo album, note app, or group chat to create a joint travel journal.

• Upload photos of local sights—ice cream stands, cool street art, your hotel view.
• Jot down quick voice memos describing a funny language mix-up or a delicious snack you tried.
• Encourage her to reply with her own mini journal entries—school highlights, a new friend, or a homework win.

This isn’t just you reporting in—it’s a two-way story you write together, weaving your worlds even when you’re apart.

3. Plan a Countdown Surprise

Turn your return into a celebration she can help stage in advance.

• Countdown Calendar: Share a digital calendar marking off days until you get back.
• Surprise Reveal: Have her choose or create something you’ll do together—bake cookies, hike, or movie night.
• Welcome-Home Note: Ask her to leave sticky notes around the house—“Can’t wait to hug you!”—and send her a similar message to find when she wakes up.

Anticipation is a powerful connector—both for her and for you.

Quick Takeaway: Start Today!

Here’s your challenge:
Pick one of these ideas and launch it before your next trip—even if it’s just across town.

• Set up a virtual ritual (morning text or nightly voice note).
• Create your shared digital journal right now—take one photo or voice note today.
• Sketch a simple countdown calendar and share it with her.

These small, consistent actions tell your daughter:
? “I’m here for you—no matter where I am.”

And that message? It crosses every time zone.

That’s it for today’s Dad Connections in 5. If you found this helpful, share it with another dad who’s often on the move. Until next time—keep showing up, even when you’re away, and keep growing that unbreakable connection.

If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X.

The post How to stay connected with your daughter even when travel or work takes you away appeared first on Dad of Divas.

Sam Raimi describes Send Help as a darkly comedic reversal of power: “What if a woman was cheated by the boys’ club at work, held down by corporate management and a terrible, mean boss who treats her unfairly? And what if they crash-landed on an island and the roles were reversed?” That premise erupts onscreen through the explosive performances of Rachel McAdams (“Linda Liddle”) and Dylan O’Brien (“Bradley Preston”), whose ferocious clash for survival delivers both brutal tension and bursts of unexpected humor.  In “Send Help,” two colleagues become stranded on a deserted island, the only survivors of a plane crash. On the island, they must overcome past grievances and work together to survive, but ultimately, it’s an unsettling, darkly humorous battle of wills and wits to make it out alive.

My Take on the Movie

Sam Raimi’s Send Help thrives on tension, discomfort, and a wicked sense of humor, delivering a survival story that feels both chaotic and oddly satisfying. The film drops two mismatched coworkers onto a deserted island and lets their unresolved workplace dynamics explode in increasingly unpredictable ways. What begins as a story of survival quickly morphs into a psychological tug-of-war, where shifting power and buried resentment take center stage.

Rachel McAdams commands attention with a performance that balances vulnerability and intensity, crafting a character whose transformation is both unsettling and compelling. Dylan O’Brien plays off her energy well, creating a dynamic that keeps viewers guessing where loyalties should lie. Their interactions fuel the film’s uneasy tone, blending sharp humor with moments of genuine unease.

Raimi’s signature style is evident throughout, mixing absurdity with darker undertones in a way that keeps the pacing brisk and engaging. While some plot turns feel slightly telegraphed and certain visual effects fall short, the film’s bold premise and committed performances carry it forward. Send Help isn’t flawless, but it’s an entertaining, offbeat ride that embraces its strangeness and leaves a lasting impression.

The post Stranded, Power Shifts, and Dark Humor Collide in Send Help appeared first on Dad of Divas.

Key Takeaways

• Simple, low-cost changes to storage, lighting, and daily routines reduce exhaustion during recovery.
• Sleep safety, nighttime navigation, and hazard removal should be addressed before the due date.
• Some home layouts need more than quick fixes, and planning those changes early matters.
• Homeowners with equity have financing options worth exploring for larger postpartum upgrades.

The Prep Work That Costs Almost Nothing

Before spending money on anything, look at how your home actually functions day-to-day. Is the laundry situation going to work when you can’t carry a full basket up the stairs? Are your most-used supplies buried behind things you haven’t touched in months? A few hours of reorganization—staging supplies at arm’s reach, adding a basket to each floor, clearing countertop clutter—can make your home feel like it was designed for this season of life.

The freezer is worth thinking about too. Cooking in the weeks after birth is the first thing to disappear. Filling it now with meals that heat in 20 minutes means one less decision on the hard days.

Walk Your Home Like It’s Already Postpartum

There’s a useful exercise here: Walk through your house at night with the lights off and imagine you’re holding an infant. Where do you trip? Where do you squint? Where do you need a free hand you don’t have?

That mental walkthrough usually surfaces the same issues in most homes: unlit hallways, cords across pathways, no easy way to get from one room to another without waking everyone up. Address those before the due date with this process in mind:

Use this walkthrough during your third trimester so there’s time to act on what you find.

1. Map every route you’ll take at night and identify where lighting is missing.
2. Check smoke and CO detectors throughout the home and replace batteries.
3. Remove anything from the floor that doesn’t need to be there.
4. Trace every cord and cable in main living areas and secure anything that crosses a walkway.
5. Decide now where the pets will and won’t have access, and start enforcing it.
6. Choose warm, dim lighting for the nursery rather than anything that signals daytime.

A Practical Look at Every Room

Different rooms carry different weight during postpartum recovery. Here’s how the priorities tend to shake out.

Bigger Changes That Are Worth the Planning

Not every home is naturally suited to what postpartum life asks of it. A layout that worked fine before may feel genuinely limiting when recovery, feeding schedules, and disrupted sleep are all happening at once. Converting a room, improving ventilation in a poorly circulated space, or creating a recovery area on the main floor are all changes that take time to execute, which is why thinking about them early matters.

For families bringing in extended support or planning for multigenerational care, the scope of changes can grow considerably. When the cost outpaces what’s available in savings, homeowners can borrow against home equity to fund the work using the value already built into the property. Approval generally depends on how much equity exists, the borrower’s credit profile, income, and overall debt load. For upgrades directly tied to safety and daily function, it’s a path worth understanding before the due date arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far out should home prep actually begin?

Somewhere between weeks 28 and 32 is a reasonable target for most families. Starting earlier than that often means finishing projects and then waiting; starting later risks running out of time or energy. The third trimester moves faster than it looks from the outside.

Do we need a finished nursery before the birth?

Not necessarily. Health organizations recommend that newborns sleep in the same room as a caregiver for the first six months, which means a bassinet in the bedroom is both appropriate and practical. A separate nursery can come together over time without affecting the baby’s safety or comfort in the early weeks.

What do most parents wish they had handled sooner?

The consistent answer is the caregiver’s own environment, not the nursery. Easy access to food and water in the middle of the night, a clear path to the bathroom, and clean clothes that don’t require a trip downstairs all reduce the kind of low-grade friction that wears people down faster than expected.

Is it worth financing home improvements before the baby arrives?

When a renovation addresses a genuine gap, like not enough bathroom access, poor lighting on main routes, no realistic recovery space, and the cost isn’t manageable with cash, financing can be a sound decision. Home equity options tend to carry more favorable terms than unsecured loans. Applying early gives more flexibility on timing.

How should pet boundaries be handled before the birth?

The earlier the better. Pets that have had unrestricted access to a bedroom or nursery should have those boundaries introduced gradually, well before the due date. When changes arrive at the same time as the baby, they’re harder to reinforce, and harder on the pet too.

The Work You Do Now Is the Rest You Get Later

Postpartum life will surprise you regardless of how prepared you are. But a home that was thought through in advance, one where the basics are handled, the hazards are gone, and the layout actually supports recovery, gives you more room to focus on what matters. Start early, work through it in stages, and let the preparation carry some of the weight so you don’t have to.

The post Before the Baby Arrives, Your Home and Your Life Deserve Some Attention Too appeared first on Dad of Divas.

How do you stay close to your daughter as she grows more independent?

It’s a bittersweet transition. The little girl who once ran into your arms now closes her bedroom door. She’s making her own choices, forming opinions, building a life that isn’t centered on you—and that’s a good thing. That means you’ve done your job well. But it doesn’t mean your relationship has to fade.

Let’s talk about how to keep that bond strong, even as she steps confidently into her own independence.

Why This Season Matters

As your daughter becomes more independent—whether she’s 12, 18, or 25—what she really needs is to know that:

• You still see her
• You still support her
• And your love is unconditional, even if she needs you in different ways now

She might not ask for your help like she used to, but she still values your presence, your approval, and your interest in who she’s becoming.

3 Ways to Stay Connected as She Grows Up

1. Stay Curious, Not Controlling

Instead of trying to stay close by holding on tight, stay close by letting go with intention.

Ask her questions that invite conversation without judgment:

• “What’s something you’ve been thinking about a lot lately?”
• “What’s something new you’re proud of?”
• “Want to bounce any ideas off me?”

Let her know you’re interested in her as a person, not just as your daughter. Curiosity says, “I care about who you are today.”

2. Respect Her Space, But Be Consistently Present

Your daughter may not need you to solve problems anymore—but she still needs to know you’re there.

• Send a short text that says, “Thinking of you. Hope today’s going well.”
• Leave a sticky note or send a meme that’ll make her smile.
• Invite her for lunch, a coffee, or a walk—but don’t push if she says no.

You’re showing her that connection is always available, without pressure. That presence builds safety—and trust.

3. Celebrate Her Growth—Out Loud

As she becomes more independent, she needs to hear that you’re proud of who she’s becoming—not just what she’s doing.

Say things like:

• “I love seeing how confident you’ve become.”
• “You’re handling that like a total adult—I’m seriously impressed.”
• “Even though we don’t talk as often, I think about you every day.”

These words are powerful. They reinforce your bond and remind her: “Dad still sees me, believes in me, and supports me—just in a new way.”

Quick Takeaway: Try This Today

Here’s your challenge:
Send your daughter a short message today that recognizes her independence and reminds her of your love.

Try:

• “I see how much you’ve grown lately—and I’m proud of who you’re becoming.”

Or:

• “You may be more independent now, but I’ll always be here if you need me.”

She may not say it out loud, but that message might be exactly what she needs to hear today.

That’s it for today’s Dad Connections in 5. Remember—staying close isn’t about holding on tight. It’s about showing up with respect, love, and quiet consistency. Your daughter’s growing independence isn’t the end of your bond—it’s just a new chapter.

Until next time—keep cheering her on, keep being steady, and keep reminding her that no matter how far she goes, she’ll always have a place in your heart.

If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X.

The post How do you stay close to your daughter as she grows more independent? appeared first on Dad of Divas.

Understanding Through Story and Experience

Cheryl Rosenberg opens the conversation by reflecting on her own close relationship with her father, emphasizing how his steady love, honesty, and encouragement shaped her life. She shares that the simple act of her father being present—whether teaching her to paint or expressing pride in her achievements—made an enduring difference in her confidence and sense of being valued. Her story is a reminder that it’s the consistent, every-day practices—not grand gestures—that lay a foundation for trust and communication.

Reconnecting When Emotions Run High

One of the central themes of the episode is how fathers can best respond during the turbulent teenage years, when daughters might seem withdrawn or overwhelmed by big emotions. Cheryl Rosenberg notes that, for many dads, the instinct is to “fix” things or resort to logic and discipline. But often, what daughters need most is simply their dad’s calm presence and willingness to listen. As Dr. Christopher Lewis puts it, “connection doesn’t come from fixing, it comes from presence.”

Tools for Emotional Connection

The episode delves into creative solutions for building rapport, especially when words fall short. Cheryl Rosenberg’s Healing Artfully program encourages both daughters and parents to use artistic expression and journaling to process feelings and spark honest discussions. These activities don’t require artistic talent—just the willingness to explore and share emotions together. Dads are encouraged to participate, using art and even weekly “check-ins” to open new avenues of dialogue and trust.

Practical Takeaways for Every Dad

Listeners will come away with actionable advice: set aside regular time to check in, engage in shared activities (even a simple card game), and respond with compassion rather than quick solutions. And most of all, dads are reminded that their steady presence and acceptance are the anchors their daughters need to thrive.

Ready to build a closer relationship with your daughter? Tune in to this episode and start the conversation today.

If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X.

TRANSCRIPT

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]:
Welcome to the Dad and Daughter Connection, the podcast for dads who want to build stronger bonds and raise confident, independent daughters.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:12]:
If you’re looking to build a stronger bond with your daughter and help her grow into a confident, independent woman, you’re in the right place. I’m Dr. Christopher Lewis, and the Dad and Daughter Connection is the podcast where we dive into real stories, expert advice, and practical tips to help you navigate the incredible journey of fatherhood. In every episode, we’ll bring you conversations that inspire, challenge, and equip you to show up as the dad your daughter needs. So let’s get started, because being a great dad isn’t just about being there, it’s about truly connecting. Welcome back to the Dad and Daughter Connection, where every week we have a great opportunity to be able to work on those relationships that we want to have with our own daughters to make them be as strong as they can be and to help us build those strong lasting relationships that’ll help us to be amazing dads, but also having amazing relationships with our kids. And every week I love being able to have you here to be able to work on this together. And I love being able to introduce you to people that have resources that can help you to be able to do just that.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:25]:
And today’s guest is someone that I know you’re going to appreciate. Cheryl Rosenberg is a coach, and she’s the creator of the Healing Artfully program, where she helps students ages 12 to 20 who are struggling with big emotions, disruptive behaviors, or stress at home or school. But you know what I love about Cheryl’s work is that she doesn’t just focus on the child. She works closely with All of Us as Overwhelmed Parents: Helping Families Rebuild Connections, Emotional Regulation, and Peaceful Communication. If you’re a dad who’s ever felt unsure how to respond to your daughter’s big feelings or wondered how to reconnect when things may feel tense, this conversation is definitely going to be for you. Cheryl, thanks so much for being here today.

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:02:14]:
Thank you for having me, Chris.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:16]:
Well, I’m really excited to have you here today, and As always, I love being able to start the conversation reflecting back on your own relationship with your father. I guess first and foremost, before we even get into the relationship, tell me a little bit about your dad.

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:02:31]:
I would love to. My father, he was raised in a very poor environment. Grandfather was out of work, and they had very little food, which made my father very self-sufficient and very driven to be crosshu— provide for his family. And he was a wonderful man. He was honest and sincere and very loving. And he had a brother who was not quite as capable as he, and he would take him to different job sites and get him work that he could do, stuff that he was able to complete and, um, contribute. He had wonderful hand skills. He could make anything.

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:03:17]:
But my father was 17 when he went into the Army in— during World War II. He was all over the European theater, and he would tell me stories about being there and what they would do, and about going into farmhouses that had been vacated, and they’d find potatoes and cook those. That’s the only thing they had to eat. And about different battles and, and how they survived and the different things that they did. He was very fair. He was hands-on, and he was just so loving. And I used to love to sit next to him on the couch on a Sunday afternoon and watch a movie with him. And if he had seen the movie, he would tell me a little bit about it.

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:04:04]:
And I, I just loved to listen to him, listen to him talk. And he had his old ways and his old patterns of speech, but he was a self-made man and he did very well for himself. He was a telegrapher on the railroad, which means that he would take the messages that were sent and he could more or less tap Morse code and, and then get down to the tracks and change the— change the direction of the tracks. And that was up in the tower, his tower too, where he worked. But Couldn’t have asked for a better father. He was there for me all the time. And I didn’t have a great mother, but I did have a great father and he made up for it.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:04:51]:
So tell me one thing that your dad did that made you truly feel seen, heard, or valued as a daughter.

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:04:59]:
Well, he always taught me— I always felt like he wanted me to be my best, do my best, and he would speak to me in those terms and tell me how I could do that and what I needed to do. And then he’d say, “Try it. Just be— just be diligent in your efforts.” And he would tell me about working in school and how he was so proud of that, of me and my schoolwork. And he would say, you know, “You, you’ve done a marvelous job with—” I always— cleaning the house or doing the laundry or, like I said, schoolwork or being a good sister to my sister, helping my mother and helping him. I used to love to help him paint. I took on his ability to paint and I used to hand paint furniture artistically. So he taught me that and that was ingrained in me and he just always made me feel loved and cared for. And I would go to him with anything because he was so understanding.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:06:05]:
Now, looking back, was there a moment where your dad’s support or guidance had a significant impact on your growth? Or confidence?

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:06:14]:
I don’t remember any one specific time. I just— it was constant. There was a constant feeling of support and love, and I can’t think of a one particular incident at this moment, but he was always there.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:06:30]:
Now, no father is perfect. We all have our flaws. What are some things you wish your dad had done differently when it came to building your relationship?

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:06:39]:
Well, this may surprise you, but my sister and I have talked about this at length. And my sister and I both wish that our father had left our mother. But he wouldn’t do that. He was from that era where you didn’t divorce. When he was home, he would take care of a situation that she had created. But when he wasn’t, we were at her mercy. And, uh, so that was the one thing we wish that he would have left and taken us. With him because it could be bad when he wasn’t there.

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:07:13]:
So we felt like it would have been better to— for him to step in and, and help us all the time, when some of the time he would just let her take charge and we would be— we never knew what was coming.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:07:27]:
What do you feel is one thing that your dad taught you that has made a huge impact on your life?

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:07:34]:
To be and do my best at everything that I tried.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:07:38]:
And if you had the opportunity to spend a day with your dad now doing anything, what would it look like?

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:07:45]:
It would look like going to an, an old park where he would take my sister and I when we were children, going there and sitting on a blanket because we did that, uh, we did that often with him and sitting around and talking and, or possibly a movie. He was a big movie buff and knew all the actors and would tell us everything that he knew about them. It was a lot of fun to be with him, and he would play games with us. And today I would so love to be able to chase around with him and just enjoy his company.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:08:16]:
Now, I mentioned at the beginning that you have a program called Healing Artfully, and for dads who may not be familiar with your work, tell me more about Healing Artfully and what kind of challenges are families usually facing when they come to you.

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:08:31]:
Healing Artfully is designed for children and teens who cannot express themselves in words. They, they don’t know where to begin. They really don’t know about their feelings. They’re kind of lost. And part of healing artfully is also journaling. And I teach them to spend, even if it’s 5 minutes, journal. Journal what happened that day. Journal how you feel.

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:08:59]:
Their feelings are so important, and that’s the biggest part of the program. And I don’t just do— we don’t just do the mind, we do whole body. So you can’t just work on one part, you need to do the entire sweep of the body, okay, and the mind. So I teach them good habits, and if you establish good morning routines, that’ll keep you alive longer. It’s been proven. So I teach them to have good hygiene, to have a good exercise habit, whether it’s in the morning— even if it’s just waking up in the morning and getting out of the bed and marching for 4 minutes just to get your body started. And then later on in the day, do some exercises. We do the health, we do the, the food.

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:09:55]:
We talk about a healthy diet. A healthy diet supports a healthy mind. And it just teaches them a good way to live their life. And then we work on solving the emotional part through the artwork. And there is no talent involved. It is strictly what you see in your mind, what you’re feeling. And we talk a bit about color and strokes and how those things can be— translated into your emotions. What this— what you’ve done and what you see on the paper talks about your feelings.

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:10:35]:
And so we, we sit and discuss that, and that gives them an outlet to start talking. And eventually they open up and they start talking about their emotions. And that is not the only program. I have 4 other programs that we do, and it— I have a toolkit for parents where I give them dialogue and I give them worksheets and It’s bringing the parent and the team together. It’s family-oriented. You can’t have one person in the family working on their issues and no one else understands what’s going on. So we work as a unit.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:11:14]:
I know that in a number of your programs you talk about expression and being able to use some creativity. And I guess, how can creative expression help daughters relate regulate emotions and how can dads participate in that process even if they don’t consider themselves— I’m gonna say artistic per se?

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:11:36]:
Uh, well, the good thing about it is it doesn’t require any artistic skills at all as far as the healing artfully goes. They are, uh, the parents come in after sessions and we discuss the work together and a father and a daughter can really open up because I think fathers sometimes are they just feel awkward and really don’t know how to get their daughters to open up or to comfort them or— so if they’re brought in and we explain and talk about the work that their child has done, then it starts creating a little path for them to walk down to get to where they’re more comfortable approaching their daughters they’re more open and they’re ready to listen and it brings the families into— sometimes into a great discussion and they will talk about incidents that had happened throughout the week, how it was handled, what could we do now to handle that in a better way. I have had some great success with just using the art and giving the parents the know-how to handle many different situations with that child.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:12:55]:
A lot of dads tell me that as they have gone through those teenage years, they sometimes feel shut out, especially when emotions run high. I guess from your experience, what’s really happening underneath those big emotions or disruptive behaviors, and how can dads be able to be helpful in those periods? But also, how can they come back in per se and not be as shut out in that whole process?

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:13:22]:
Well, you’re right. Chris, that is definitely a time when fathers just kind of throw their hands in the air, and they do feel left out because a lot of times girls and their mothers don’t think that dad is really all that interested in this girly stuff. But in reality, they are, and it doesn’t have to be every little detail. But say if your daughter is preparing to go to a dance, then she can, uh, involve dad by putting on her dress and saying, “Dance with me! Let’s have a dance together before I—” have to dance at the prom, putting the dress on and asking dad what he thinks. Does he like it? Does he like the color? Just bringing him into what’s going on with his daughter. And moms can be a great service in that area too, to get dad going, get him interested, and get him to feeling comfortable about relating to his daughter in the feminine areas. I think men Um, and boys are— feel very awkward, and so they just kind of don’t respond at all when their response is so important. So it’s just an easy— it doesn’t have to be a big deal.

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:14:36]:
Things are much easier than people imagine. Just doing us that simple thing like, hey Dad, I’m gonna go try on my dress, I want you to tell me what you think. Hey, let’s take a few dance steps together. Just something that gets him smiling and comfortable and they’re engaging with one another.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:14:55]:
So what I’m hearing you say is the reaction of a father is definitely very important. And I guess when I think about that, I know that when a dad reacts to his daughter’s stress with logic, fixing, or discipline, that can have kind of the negative impact. And I guess as you have seen that and worked with families, what impact does that make when a dad does come to that situation and try to provide logic, fixing, or discipline, which is kind of an MO for a lot of men or a lot of fathers. And I guess, what is a more emotionally attuned response that a dad can do?

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:15:31]:
I would suggest that the father and the daughter set aside some time each week for a short talk. Doesn’t have to be a long drawn-out affair. Just, hey, let’s check in. Let’s put this on the calendar. Let’s check in on this day, and I want to hear what you’ve done this week, and I might have some suggestions for you, and then make suggestions for the next week and what you can do. I would like to see you accomplish this. How do you feel about that? Do you feel comfortable? Do you think you can get moving on that? Do you need some suggestions? Do you need some help? It’s so important that, that they are connecting and that there’s compassion and there’s thought and compassion and that everybody feels that. Everybody can sense that we’re working on a problem, but we’re having a good time doing it.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:16:23]:
So it sounds like a lot of daily work. And I guess, are there specific small daily practices that dads can do to either work on the relationship, rebuild trust, and provide that emotional safety to a daughter, especially if their daughter is pulling back or maybe they seem withdrawn or reactive or overwhelmed?

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:16:44]:
Well, the best thing that they can do is to not react themselves, to, to calm the situation down. To have the teen or the child— sit them down and have a conversation on— or you can definitely sit at a table and drag out a game that you play all the time, a deck of cards or something, and sit down and talk while you’re doing something that you both enjoy, um, and getting— sometimes that brings out the emotion and the problem, and then the father can deal with it in a more relaxed atmosphere. And they don’t have to get so down to the nitty-gritty. Just gradually work on completing the answer to the problems, the, the solution, and scheduling— like I said, scheduling a once-a-week check-in is a great way to do it. And if they’re, if they’re having— they’re highly emotional, calming them down with just something that they enjoy and something that you enjoy, then you can get them off of the intense emotion and sit down and start doing something that you both enjoy, and you’re just Talk about it and discuss it. And you might not get anything right away, but you just keep trying and you let them tell you when they are ready. They’re not going to sit down and be able to open up right away with every emotion and every problem, but after a while you’ll see them opening up and you’ll see that the parent, the father, is much more comfortable being in the situation that is so highly emotional. And it’s a daily or a weekly practice.

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:18:24]:
I mean, Daily is the things that they’re supposed to be doing, and the parent can always be checking in. In the morning when you see each other for the first time, hey, how, how was yesterday? What are you going to do today? And that shows love and respect and concern, and, and the kids feel it. They know it. So it is a very hands-on, a very eye-opening and rewarding experience.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:18:49]:
Well, Cheryl, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for sharing everything you’ve shared today. If people want to find out more about your programs, where should They should

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:18:58]:
go to Cheryl, Cheryl, at D-R-O-S-E-N-B-E-R-G-I-O.com. And I have a website there and they can ask for consultation. It’s a free consultation. And so I do that in order to start talking to them about where they need to start and what we need to start working with their child. And then I give them the supplies, the toolkit. Kit, and then I check in with them and we talk about that. I give them worksheets that they can use with their, their team. Um, it’s really a nurturing experience to go through this and have everyone be able to feel comfortable and feel cared for, and it does everybody a lot of good.

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:19:49]:
And they’d be surprised, they’ll be very surprised at the results that they get. And it usually— if it’s not a, a real deep problem, then they’ll see a turnaround in as little as 2 weeks. So it’s a great way to try to get the family back together, talking, communication, hands-on. It brings everybody to that point and we’re all working to get the resolution. And so no one feels left out and everyone will benefit.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:20:21]:
Now, I always finish my interviews with what I like to call the Dad Connection 6, and usually I ask dads these questions, but when I have daughters on, I ask them some similar questions. So, quick questions for you. What’s one word that describes your relationship with your own father?

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:20:37]:
Loving.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:20:38]:
What’s the best piece of dad advice you’ve ever received?

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:20:42]:
Um, before my father passed away, he said to me, “What did I teach you?” And I said, “You taught me to do the best at anything that I tried.” And that’s my best from my dad.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:20:53]:
Now, you mentioned what your day would look like before, but what’s one activity you and your dad loved doing together?

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:20:59]:
Painting. I mean, he was painting walls. That’s entirely different. From what I did, but he taught me techniques and just care of the equipment. I was so much further ahead than a lot of other people because I spent those hours with him just painting walls and cleaning brushes and preventing any paint splashes or paint on the floor, paint on the woodwork, just everything, because he was so meticulous. And I learned that too.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:21:26]:
And as we finish up today, what advice would you give to other dads who want to build a lasting and meaningful relationship with their daughters?

Cheryl Rosenberg [00:21:34]:
I would say that being there, loving them, guiding them with your knowledge, giving them their space and allowing them to speak to the work that you’re all accomplishing, trying to accomplish, working on, and just be open and be honest. And the two of you will always be in sync if you start when they’re an early age.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:22:00]:
Cheryl, thank you so much for being here and for the incredible work that you’re doing with families. And dads, if there’s one thing I hope that you take away from this conversation, it’s this: it’s that your daughter’s big emotions aren’t a rejection of you. They’re often an invitation, an invitation to slow down, to listen, to regulate yourself first, to create safety. Connection doesn’t come from fixing, it comes from presence. And sometimes the strongest thing that you can do as a father is simply stay steady when— stay steady when the waves get big. If today’s conversation resonated with you, I encourage you to learn more about Cheryl’s Healing Artfully program and the tools that she shares with families. And I’ll make sure that there’s links in the notes today. Until next time, keep showing up, keep listening, and keep building that intentional connection with your daughter.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:22:51]:
It matters more than you know.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:22:53]:
That’s a wrap for this episode of the Dad and Daughter Connection. Thanks for joining us on this journey to build stronger bonds and raise confident, independent daughters. Remember, Being an engaged dad isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and share it with a fellow dad. And don’t forget, you can find all our episodes at dadanddaughterconnection.com. Until next time, keep showing up, keep connecting, and keep being the dad she needs.

Musical Outro Performer [00:23:23]:
We’re all in the same boat. And it’s full of tiny screaming passengers. We spend the time, we give the lessons, we make the meals, we buy them presents. Bring your A-game, ’cause those kids are growing fast. The time goes by just like a dynamite blast, calling astronauts and firemen. Carpenters and muscle men, get out and be the world to them. Be the best dad you can be. Be the best dad you can be.

The post Healing Artfully: Creative Ways for Dads to Connect with Their Daughters appeared first on Dad of Divas.

Teaching your daughter that vulnerability is strength.

In a world that often tells our girls to “be tough,” “don’t cry,” or “keep it together,” it’s crucial that she hears a different message from you—the man she looks to for emotional guidance. She needs to know that it’s okay to feel, to struggle, to ask for help. And that doing so isn’t weakness—it’s courage.

Let’s explore how to model that kind of emotional strength in everyday life.

Why Vulnerability Matters

Vulnerability is the foundation of emotional intelligence, resilience, and healthy relationships. When your daughter understands that expressing her emotions is safe and strong, she learns:

• That she doesn’t have to hide who she is
• That connection is built through honesty, not perfection
• That her emotions are valid—not something to be ashamed of

And here’s the key: she’ll believe it when she sees it in you.

3 Ways to Model and Teach Vulnerability

1. Show Her What Vulnerability Looks Like in You

One of the most powerful lessons you can give your daughter is letting her see that you have emotions too.

That doesn’t mean breaking down in every moment—but it does mean saying:

• “I’ve had a really hard day, and I’m feeling overwhelmed.”
• “I messed up earlier, and I feel disappointed in myself.”
• “I don’t have all the answers, but I’m here and willing to listen.”

This shows her that strength isn’t about having it all together. It’s about being real—and still showing up.

2. Create a Safe Space for Her Emotions

If your daughter opens up to you—whether it’s about a rough day, anxiety, heartbreak, or self-doubt—resist the urge to fix it right away. First, validate her.

Try this:

• “That sounds really hard. I’m glad you told me.”
• “It’s okay to feel that way. I’ve felt that too.”
• “You don’t have to go through this alone.”

She’ll remember not just what you said, but how you made her feel—safe, seen, and loved.

3. Celebrate Emotional Courage

If your daughter opens up about something vulnerable—affirm that bravery.

• “I know that wasn’t easy to talk about, but it means a lot that you did.”
• “You were really strong for speaking up.”
• “Being honest about how you feel takes guts—and I’m proud of you.”

This rewires her thinking: Vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s powerful. And it reinforces that being emotionally open is something to be proud of, not something to hide.

Quick Takeaway: Try This Today

Here’s your challenge:
Open up about something small but real today—something that lets your daughter see your heart.

It could be:

• “I’m nervous about this big meeting at work tomorrow.”
• “I’ve been feeling a little off today, and I’m not sure why.”
• “I’m really proud of how you handled that earlier. It reminded me how I wish I’d done the same at your age.”

Even one vulnerable moment builds trust. And it opens the door for her to be vulnerable too.

That’s it for today’s Dad Connections in 5. Remember—when you show your daughter that vulnerability is strength, you’re giving her permission to live honestly, love fully, and connect deeply. And that’s one of the greatest gifts a father can give.

Until next time—keep showing up, keep opening up, and keep building that foundation of trust that lasts a lifetime.

If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X.

The post Teaching your daughter that vulnerability is strength appeared first on Dad of Divas.

Nintendo is celebrating the 40^th anniversary of the first Super Mario Bros. game with a slew of announcements today, including sales on games featuring Mario and friends through Saturday, and a SUPER NINTENDO WORLD sweepstakes. Check out Mario.Nintendo.com for all the details! Feel free to share the news below. or interact/share any of the posts from @NintendoAmerica!

Highlights include new trailers for two upcoming games:

• Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park releasing March 26 (and don’t forget about the Talking Flower releasing this Thursday!!)
• Yoshi and the Mysterious Book releasing on May 21

Nintendo and Illumination also released a brand-new trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, hitting theaters on April 1, and announced that tickets are available for preorder today! Download the free Nintendo Today! app to unlock a digital Collectible Card (40 in total) based on the movie every day from today through June 10.

Finally, the LEGO Group revealed the newest set in its LEGO Mario Kart line for adults: Mario Kart – Luigi & Mach 8, a 2,234-piece set, with pre-orders now open.

There are even more MAR10 Day festivities on Mario.Nintendo.com, including in-game events for Mario Kart World, a fun digital frame featuring Mario and friends, a new video inspired by Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 on Go Noodle– and more.

The post It’s Mario Day! appeared first on Dad of Divas.

The episode kicks off with Dr. Christopher Lewis and Sophia Vale Galano reflecting on their own relationships with their fathers. Sophia shares how her dad’s ability to truly listen and validate her feelings stood out as a pivotal part of her upbringing. As she recalls, even during rough patches or adolescent turmoil, her dad’s nurturing, present, and non-judgmental approach cultivated a sense of safety and trust—a lesson that still shapes her adult life and the way she parents her own child.

A major theme explored is the importance of active listening over “fixing” when it comes to supporting anxious teens. Sophia pulls from her book Calming Teenage Anxiety and explains that while it’s natural for dads (and all parents) to want to solve problems, the real magic happens when parents simply listen. Reflecting on both her personal experience and her professional expertise, she emphasizes that daughters don’t always want solutions—they want support, validation, and someone in their corner.

Another core topic in the conversation is the challenge posed by today’s comparison culture and social media. Rather than restricting or policing teens, Sophia urges dads to engage in open conversations, seek to understand their daughter’s experience with digital platforms, and help them build healthy self-worth amidst outside influences.

The podcast also addresses the pressure teens feel to “succeed,” encouraging dads to balance ambition with empathy. It’s all about collaborating with teens, understanding their interests, and making sure encouragement doesn’t accidentally become overwhelming pressure.

The episode closes with practical advice: It’s never too late to repair and grow your relationship with your daughter. Vulnerability, communication, and a willingness to meet your teen where they are can make all the difference.

Whether you’re a seasoned dad or just starting the journey, this episode is filled with wisdom, warmth, and actionable strategies. Tune in for real stories and expert insights that will leave you feeling inspired and better equipped to connect with your daughter.

Listen now to the full episode of the “Dad and Daughter Connection” and start building the relationship your daughter needs today!

If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X.

TRANSCRIPT

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:02]:
Welcome to the Dad and Daughter Connection, the podcast for dads who want to build stronger bonds and raise confident, independent daughters.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:12]:
If you’re looking to build a stronger bond with your daughter and help her grow into a confident, independent woman, you’re in the right place. I’m Dr. Christopher Lewis, and the Dad and Daughter Connection is the podcast where we dive into real stories, expert advice, and practical tips to help you navigate the incredible journey of fatherhood. In every episode, we’ll bring you conversations that inspire, challenge, and equip you to show up as the dad your daughter needs. So let’s get started, because being a great dad isn’t just about being there, it’s about truly connecting. Welcome back to the Dad and Daughter Connection, where every week we have a great opportunity, a great opportunity to be able to work on building those strong relationships with our own daughters. And I love that because every week I love being able to walk with you on this journey. I can’t say I am an expert.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:07]:
I try my best. I have two daughters myself, as you know, but all of us can learn and all of us can be better fathers in the end. And that’s why every week I love coming back to be able to, to walk on this journey with you and to be able to have these conversations that we have every week. And that’s why I bring you different people with different experiences that can share those experiences with you to help you to to prepare you and to provide you with some tools for your own toolbox to help you be the dad that you want to be. This week, I am really excited to be able to have Sophia Vale Galano with us. And Sophia is a licensed clinical social worker and teen mental health specialist and the author of a book called Calming Teenage Anxiety. And for any of you that have teens, you know that anxiety comes with it. So it is important to know how to manage that, but also to kind of ride the wave as you’re going through those teenage years and to be able to support your daughters in many different ways, because Sophia’s work focuses on helping parents like you and I better understand what anxiety really looks like in today’s teenagers, and more importantly, how to show up in ways that truly help.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:02:15]:
One of the things I really liked in reading through the book myself, I loved the fact that I saw a lot of real-life stories, practical tools, and powerful reflection exercises that you can go through to help you to be more attuned to what your kids are going through. Because Sophia is, is guiding you as the reader to build a calmer, more connected relationship with your teen, not by fixing them, but by walking alongside them with empathy, awareness, and confidence. Her message is one that for me, and I think from you too, you’re gonna find that it’s a message you need to hear. And it’s that your presence, your listening, and your emotional modeling matter more than you think. So I’m really excited to have Sophia here today to be able to talk to her and to have her as a guest on the show. Sophia, thanks so much for being here.

Sophia Vale Galano [00:03:07]:
Thank you so much for having me. I’m excited to be here and I appreciate the lovely introduction.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:03:12]:
I really appreciate you being here. And I always start these interviews with an opportunity to delve a little bit deeper into your own relationship with your dad. So I guess to start off, tell me a little bit about your dad. And what’s one thing that your dad did that made you feel truly seen, heard, and valued as a daughter?

Endia Crabtree [00:03:30]:
I so appreciate that question. I’m really excited to chat about this because full transparency, I really do feel very fortunate because I’ve had a really positive relationship with my dad. Of course, there have been bumps. Nothing’s perfect, but overall my dad and I have always been very close. I grew up in a bit of an unconventional family structure where my mom went and worked in an office. She ran a major film company. She traveled a lot, and my dad was at home with me from ages 5 and up. So really, I feel fortunate in the sense that, you know, A, I got to spend a lot of time with my dad, which I feel that a lot of people don’t have.

Endia Crabtree [00:04:08]:
And also, I felt very heard and seen by my dad. I feel that my dad did an amazing job at really listening to me and validating me throughout the years. I have such distinct memories of being a teenager and coming back from high school, grabbing a snack, and, you know, going into the room and chatting with him about my day, talking to him about what happened with friend drama, boy drama, things that most people don’t speak with their dad about when they’re age 16, you know, particularly a, you know, 15, 16-year-old girl. And I feel my dad, I remember kind of around age 12 or so when I was in 7th grade. And, you know, my dad talks to me about this now, you know, since, you know, I’m an adult now, my dad’s an adult. And he always jokes that he had this kind of, you know, revelation when I was age 12 that, oh, my daughter, even though she’s 12, is starting to have more needs as an adult, as a, a woman versus a girl. She doesn’t want to be fixed. She doesn’t want to be told what to do.

Endia Crabtree [00:05:08]:
She wants to be listened to. She wants to be validated. And I think it’s really eye-opening for him because I was so young, but it really— he noticed a shift, and honestly, I noticed a shift. And that’s something that honestly still, still happens. I still call my dad when I’ve had a rough day, and I’m just like, ugh, I just need to vent, or I just, I just need to talk this out. And he’ll hear me out, you know, and he’ll listen to me, and then he will say, what can I do to support, or what can I do to help? He’ll ask me those questions. But my dad, again, I’m so fortunate because my dad really, really does a fantastic job of listening to me.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:05:43]:
So let’s delve a little bit into that because what do you think it was? And maybe you’ve had these conversations with your dad about this, but what allowed for your father to be able to— I’m going to say flip the script because a lot of times a lot of dads don’t have that innate ability to as you said, listen, to connect, and to be able to build those strong relationships. And it seems like your dad was able to do that from an— from early on. So what was it about your dad or what allowed for him to bring that to the relationship from early on?

Endia Crabtree [00:06:14]:
Yes. Well, I do think that my dad was very present with me. I mean, obviously, you know, when he was there with me, we were talking, of course, he’s present, engaged in the conversation. But, you know, I had so much interaction with my dad on the day-to-day. So I think that really helped because he really got a sense of, you know, how I operate. And he knew me really, really well. Um, but it really— we talk about this, my dad and I kind of laugh about it now— that when I was 12, I moved to America from England. I know it’s hard to believe with my accent, but I had a really tough time as a 12-year-old adjusting to, you know, life in Los Angeles in 7th grade.

Endia Crabtree [00:06:48]:
You know, it was really, really tough. And I remember being really unhappy, and I remember being kind of the first time where, when we first moved back, my dad and I were kind of butting heads a little bit. Nothing over the top, but I remember us just not seeing eye to eye. And I’m not sure, you know, kind of what led him to this realization, if there was some sort of moment where he did kind of meet me where I was at in terms of listening and validating me and hearing me, and then it was kind of a wake-up call for him to say, wait, this actually works more than kind of telling her what to do. But something clicked, and that’s what he always kind of jokes about, that he was like, I had this realization at 12 years old that I have to start treating you like a young woman. And not to stereotype, but most women like feeling validated and they like feeling heard and they like feeling listened to versus given these kind of solutions or kind of minimizing what they’re going through. Again, not to stereotype, this is a, a very broad overview, but I think it was a bit of a shift for him. And I work with parents all the time about learning to treat their teenagers a little bit more like a young adult versus a kid, you know, and it’s tough, that transition, I think, for my dad because I wasn’t even a teenager.

Endia Crabtree [00:07:58]:
Yeah, I was 12. But the thing that’s really cool about my dad, and I really appreciate this, is my dad, I know, always wants to improve, and he wants to grow, and he wants to evolve, you know, as a person and also with his parenting. And that’s why I’m so grateful for your show and for your listeners. I appreciate the dads out there that are really trying to improve the relationship with their children, particularly their daughters, and I see that too now as an adult, how much my dad was really trying to do that. And it doesn’t go unrecognized, you know, maybe as a 12-year-old, I wasn’t sitting down and saying, “Dad, I’m so appreciative of your emotional development and willingness to meet me where I’m at.” I see it now as a 36-year-old, but I have a lot of credit for my dad. And I really do think that helped me see him as a very safe person that I could go to in high school. And my dad also wasn’t judgy as well. I think a lot of dads, a lot of parents are very protective over their children.

Endia Crabtree [00:08:56]:
And that can come across as sometimes too teenager, a bit of judgment, or, you know, they’re trying to control me. Whereas my dad was very much, you know, inquisitive and curious of— I want to hear more, tell me about that, you know, let’s talk about it— versus, well, just don’t hang out with that person, or that person’s bad news, forget it. It was more, tell me about it, what did that feel like?

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:09:18]:
How would you say that your relationship with your your dad influences the way in which you navigate life, relationships, or challenges today?

Endia Crabtree [00:09:28]:
So much, and in a positive sense. I mean, I think there’s a variety of different factors here. I mean, first of all, seeing that my dad isn’t perfect, neither am I, and that we still love and care about each other and we can navigate that when there is turmoil or conflict, which is destined to happen with anyone, you know. And also again, just seeing that, eh, as a daughter that I can have really positive relationships with men, you know, I, I think that’s something that I have felt for most of my life, which I think also is quite unique as a female, is feeling very comfortable with men. Even when I was younger, you know, when I was doing therapy, I didn’t have an issue seeing male therapists. So I feel— I have a lot of male friends, I have a really great relationship with my husband. I feel that there’s safety and comfort with men, and I do think that my dad laid the foundation for that. And my dad has a very nurturing energy to him.

Endia Crabtree [00:10:21]:
My dad is a strong man. He’s strong, but he’s nurturing too. And I can feel that as well. I have a daughter and my hope is that my daughter will have a similar relationship with her dad too. I feel again, very fortunate with that.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:10:37]:
Now, I guess one thing that I think about— you, you’ve mentioned a lot of really positive things that have happened throughout your life that your dad has really helped you to maneuver through and to be able to become who you are today. And you said, Nobody’s perfect. Your dad’s not perfect. You’re not perfect. None of us are. What are— what are some things that you wish your dad had done differently when it came to building your relationship?

Endia Crabtree [00:10:58]:
I feel— and this is where it’s tricky, you know, and I talk a lot about this in my book, which is kind of finding this balance of relating while still adhering to boundaries— is, I guess, understanding that my dad is still a human being. When I think when I was younger too, my parents got divorced when I was, um, 19. So, you know, I still kind of the later later end of being a teenager. And that was quite a challenging time for my relationship with my dad because there was this major shift in our family structure. And I think at that time, what I feel would have been helpful for me, you know, and I’ve shared this with my dad, but, you know, is really understanding. And maybe it would help to have him have verbalized this. We’ve talked about it, of, you know, seeing him as a human being who’s still working on himself and maybe being more vulnerable with me. Maybe that’s what it is, is allowing himself to be vulnerable.

Endia Crabtree [00:11:53]:
While still, again, of course, having boundaries. And again, I think it’s tricky here because we want to be mindful of, you know, parental roles. We don’t want it to shift that, you know, the teenager, you know, even an older teenager, the 19-year-old who’s technically an adult but still a teenager, becomes the parent, but starting to see the parent as a human being who’s still going through their own journey and their own process. And I think that was very jarring for me as a 19-year-old, a bit of a wake-up call for me to see, oh wait, my parents are not not slap this label, you know, it’s an extreme label, but like still quote unquote flawed in many ways, aren’t we all? And I think, you know, having conversations with my dad about his challenges and having more vulnerability there, I think would have been helpful in a nurturing and compassionate manner. But again, it’s, it’s not, you know, easy. And I credit so many parents for tackling these issues because it’s not black and white. It’s tricky. And I think just, again, I give everyone so much, so much credit for wanting to try.

Endia Crabtree [00:12:55]:
And I think that’s all that Matters.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:12:57]:
Now, I— you mentioned your book and you are the author of Calming Teenage Anxiety. And as an author myself, I know that there’s a lot of time, passion, blood, sweat, and tears that go into being able to put something out into the world. So tell me that origin story of the book and what made you decide that you wanted to put all of that time, blood, sweat, and tears into putting this out into the world?

Endia Crabtree [00:13:19]:
Yes. Well, first of all, well said, that is incredibly accurate. The blood, sweat, and tears, you know, blessing the curse in many ways. But there were a variety of different factors, you know, that kind of went behind the motivation of writing this book. So the first was, A, feeling very inspired. There was such a need for guidance in this area. So, you know, I talk about this in the introduction of my book is, you know, when I was kind of early on in my career, what I would do is I would go and provide educational talks at different schools or lectures, and I would pick a different topic kind of depending on the needs of the school and the students. So I remember doing one on teen substance use, on vaping, on depression, you know, a variety of different topics, but I really remember giving a talk on teen anxiety and just being so blown away by the amount of guidance that was wanted.

Endia Crabtree [00:14:07]:
And this— I remember the room just being completely packed. I remember parents standing alongside the walls because all the chairs were filled and really wanting very concrete tools. So I think there’s a lot of conversations out there right now of, okay, teen anxiety is on the rise. It’s a problem, but what do we do with that? So really, I left that talk and I said, okay, what if there was a book that doesn’t just talk about the problem, but actually talks about what to say and what not to say and what questions to ask and what questions not to ask and how to prevent restriction while still adhering to boundaries or what communication tools are success or what are some kind of typical scenarios. You might see, how do you differentiate between what’s normal versus concerning? So kind of should provide a general sort of overview or blueprint here, which kind of leads to the next factor that kind of led me to writing the book is I said to myself, let’s see what comes out. Let’s like give it a go, let’s start writing. And I know it might sound a bit cheesy, but it kind of just poured out very naturally. And I really felt like there was such a need.

Endia Crabtree [00:15:11]:
And my hope was that even if this helps one person, it’s successful. When not everyone has the resources the time to go to therapy or study this for years and years, or, you know, become a psychologist themselves. My hope was for any adult to pick this up, whether they dropped out of high school, whether they have a PhD, and they can start using it immediately. So to be very accessible and very approachable.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:15:38]:
You know, a lot of dads see anxiety in their daughters but aren’t sure what they’re looking at. From your experience, how does teen anxiety often show up differently than parents expect?

Endia Crabtree [00:15:49]:
So first of all, I always like to remind adults, and it might sound like a bit of a no-brainer but important to remember, that teenagers are not expert communicators, first of all. So they’re going to communicate in a way that’s very, very different than adults might communicate. So, you know, we kind of joke about this, and I was kind of joking before, that a teen is not going to sit down with their parent and say, Mom, Dad, I’m really struggling emotionally. I’d benefit from some coping skills and emotional regulation technique. Let’s come up with some solutions together to support my mental health. Probably not. I haven’t met a teen that does that. Maybe they’re out there.

Endia Crabtree [00:16:20]:
What it’s gonna look like instead is, say, a teen isolating, a teen being avoidant, a teen maybe even seeming irritable, hostile, even at times combative. It might not seem how anxiety would look for an adult. So it’s important to remember that. And I remind parents too that it’s important to assess how often a teen is struggling, and to what extent. So I give this example where let’s say a teenager is nervous before a math test. So let’s say they’re kind of spiraling, they’re feeling really panicky about the test, they don’t want to go to school, they’re feeling really kind of moody about it, but they manage to go to school, they take the test, they go on with their day, they attend their extracurriculars, they complete their assignments. Okay, we’re not gonna overlook that, but we’re gonna take a different approach than the teenager that refuses to go to school. The teenager that is so preoccupied with the anxiety for this test that they can’t complete their other assignments, that they need to drop out of their extracurricular activities, that they’re becoming avoidant socially.

Endia Crabtree [00:17:26]:
We’re going to take a very different approach, you know. Or what if the teenager has a panic attack before the exam or throws up before the exam? That’s an indicator that this is more severe than sort of your standard teenage behavior. And with this said, we want to assess how often this is happening. So let’s say that a teenager has that kind of quote-unquote extreme response and it happens once a year, are we gonna overlook it? Absolutely not. But again, we’re gonna take a different approach if this happens once a week, multiple times a month, multiple times a week. Very, very different stance here, but it does require very mindful observation of the teen.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:18:02]:
You know, one of the things that you talked about earlier about your own father was he was a good active listener, and in your book you talk about the importance of active listening as well. The challenge, of course, is that a lot of Dads feel like they are natural fixers. So for dads who are those natural fixers, what does listening to an anxious daughter look like in real life and what should they avoid doing?

Endia Crabtree [00:18:27]:
So I also want to preface that it so goes against our instincts as parents to not fix. You know, we see our child suffering and we want to alleviate the problem. We don’t want to just sit there and wait for the slow, gradual change. So that is really understandable for the parents listening. If they’re thinking to themselves, shoot, I do that all the time. If I completely messed up, No, you know, and a lot of my work with the teens is also helping the teen understand that the parent is coming from a good place and to have some empathy for the parent as well. What I will encourage the dads listening who are, are very prone to fixing is to actually remind themselves that active listening, validating, seeking to learn, understand, employ this kind of curious mindset is actually fixing in the long run. It’s just a more subtle way of doing it.

Endia Crabtree [00:19:17]:
It. So what I would recommend avoiding— and I will say there are of course going to be emergency exceptions to this, this is a general overview— if a teen is suicidal, there’s severe self-harm, substance use, we’re going to take a different approach. We’re going to intervene, we’re going to fix. If a teen expresses that they’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, or the dad is noticing this behavior, instead of saying, well, why don’t you go meditate, or have you gone take— go, go for a walk outside, While those are great solutions that do work, the teen feels not heard. And often what happens is the teen says, “Oh, you don’t understand me, you don’t get it.” And the dad or even the mom too, you know, it’s like, well, what just happened? Now my teen’s even, you know, kind of farther away and I actually was coming from a really positive place. Instead, what the parent can say is, “I would love to hear a little bit more about that. What is that like for you? How do you feel about sharing about this?” So really leaning on these open-ended questions, avoiding, first of all, closed kind of yes or no question, of course, unless an emergency, and really seeking to learn more, speaking with the teen versus just providing some type of solution for the teen. And, and with that being said, you know, and obviously this is quite complex, I go into significant detail about this in the book, but it can be helpful to, to have these conversations in a setting that might feel different for an adult.

Endia Crabtree [00:20:40]:
It might feel maybe a little informal, a little too casual, but it’s really important for the teen to feel that this is coming up organically. So when you’re driving, in the car, walking the dog together— oftentimes the teen is very closed off when the parent is sitting across from the table at the dining room table saying, okay, let’s talk about your anxiety. They’re going to feel very put on the spot and very caught off guard. So it’s about kind of modifying how we have the conversations, where we have the conversation, and remembering that actually active listening validating, learning more is ultimately fixing and helping.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:21:16]:
You know, one of the other things that you talk about in the book is you describe how today’s teens are growing up in a comparison culture shaped by social media. Any of us that have kids that are above the age of 10 know the power of social media and know how much it can impact our kids as well. How can dads help their daughters build self-worth when the world keeps telling them

Endia Crabtree [00:21:39]:
that they’re not These are such amazing questions, and I’m so grateful that you’re asking me this, because oftentimes what happens is people instead take kind of a more restrictive approach of like, okay, you know, I’m protective over my child, I’m not going to let them use social media, and it kind of backfires again, unless an emergency. So instead, it’s actually about having these conversations with the teen of seeking to understand what they feel like when they use social media, what comes up for them when they look at certain pages, you know, have they noticed any kind of parallels emotionally, do they feel more anxious when they’re on social media, A lot of teens, you know, and, and it’s a bit of a controversial take, you know, and I’m not advocating for social media, but some teens will say, you know, actually it’s really helpful for me to follow these certain pages that actually support mental health or support my hobbies, or it’s helpful for me to go on here. I’m not saying that’s the solution, but it’s important to talk with the teen about their feelings with social media. And of course, you know, we wanna set boundaries with social media. You know, again, go into detail about what that can look like, whether it’s, you know, unfollowing certain pages, muting certain people, integrating more positive pages into a teen’s social media presence. But it’s really about talking with the teen here, seeking to learn. And oftentimes parents even coming from this stance of, I didn’t grow up in this world. What is it like for you? You know, I’d love to learn more.

Endia Crabtree [00:23:04]:
I’d love to hear your thoughts about it. And this goes back to the, again, unless an emergency, as challenging it is not to to restrict or prohibit a teen’s access to social media because that really does not help build self-esteem. If anything, that’s teaching the teen that you don’t trust them to use social media in a good way or that you can trust your teen to kind of learn from their mistakes, uh, foster resilience. Instead, it’s actually teaching the teen that they’re still like a kid and, you know, they need kind of policing or monitoring here. So it’s a bit of, again, relearning in terms of parenting a teenager, you know, that, okay, I wanna give them the skills so that they feel comfortable using this as they emerge into adulthood, that when they turn 18, they’re out of the house, they’re in the workforce, they’re at school, at college, that they are equipped to deal with the pressures of social media and they’re not completely caught off guard.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:24:00]:
Many fathers push their daughters to succeed because they want opportunities for them, but you warn in your book that that can overload and increase anxiety. So how can dads How do you help dads tell the difference between healthy encouragement and harmful pressure?

Endia Crabtree [00:24:17]:
And again, it’s not black and white. So it’s also okay if, you know, let’s say parents listening again are saying to themselves, oh no, maybe I pushed too hard. Is that a lost cause? No, not at all. This is where it goes back to that collaborating and communicating with the team and finding that balance. You know, I think you hit the nail on the head too, is oftentimes, you know, parents really believe that they’re equipping their teen for success. And also, you know, a lot of times parents will— and again, it comes from a really good place— is they say, let me get my teen involved in X, Y, and Z because that’s going to help them, you know, not be stuck on their phone and isolate in their room, and that’s kind of the key to help them not be anxious when in reality it overwhelms them or overloads them. So we want to find the balance. We want to make sure they have their leisure time, their time to relax, their time to unwind, while also doing things that, you know, they enjoy as well.

Endia Crabtree [00:25:09]:
And talk with your teen A, how they feel about these activities, and also if it’s something that they want to do. Are they interested? Are they passionate about it? I mean, most teens are going to feel more excited about hanging out with their friends, you know, versus, you know, getting an internship somewhere. But it’s still important to make sure it’s something that they want to do. It’s not something that they feel completely forced into or that they’re going to be— I don’t even wanna say punished, but more— but judged or disappoint their parents if they don’t do it. Again, it’s collaborating with the teen, it’s communicating communicating with the teen. Those, those words are going to come up again and again because they could be applied to all areas here.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:25:48]:
One final thing that I want to ask you about the book is if a dad is listening today and he feels like he’s already missed signs of anxiety, what would you want him to know about repairing connection and becoming a safe person now?

Endia Crabtree [00:26:03]:
First of all, it’s not too late. I do want to say that, that it’s never ever a lost cause and it’s never too late. So even if dad, let’s say, says, I have done absolutely everything wrong. I haven’t listened. I haven’t asked the open-ended questions. I fix it all. It’s okay. And this actually kind of circles back to your earlier question about my dad, which is, A, it’s okay to share with your teen that you’re a human being and you’re still learning, that, hey, I recognize maybe some of my own limitations here and I want to better help you.

Endia Crabtree [00:26:34]:
How can I be there for you? How can I support you? Again, we want to adhere to appropriate boundaries. You know, I wouldn’t suggest going to the teenager and sobbing and screaming that you’ve done anything wrong and have the team parent or comfort you, but more being vulnerable that I have— I acknowledge that maybe I haven’t got this the most effective way, and I want to make a change here. And what would feel best for you? How can we work together? I want you to know that I’m here for you. I love you. I support you. And if you feel that you want me to listen more, if you want me to support you in that way, I’m here for you. If you want me to provide solutions, I’ve got you. It’s really meeting the team where they’re at.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:27:16]:
So we always finish our interviews with what I like to call the Dad Connection Six. And these are six more questions that I usually ask dads, but I’ve got you here. So I’m gonna ask you a little bit of a tweak.

Endia Crabtree [00:27:26]:
That’s cool. Mix it up.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:27:28]:
So what’s one word that describes your relationship with your dad?

Endia Crabtree [00:27:33]:
Loving.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:27:33]:
What’s the best piece of dad advice you’ve ever received?

Endia Crabtree [00:27:37]:
I guess I would say— and I’m not quoting this directly, but my dad has always encouraged me to try new things. And know that it’s okay if it doesn’t work out. That my dad is very much, “Go for it. Try it out. Like, why not?” So I think that has been really helpful in terms of kind of fostering my independence.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:27:58]:
What’s one activity you and your dad love doing together?

Endia Crabtree [00:28:01]:
Well, so that’s changed over the years for sure. I mean, now we love gardening together. It’s funny, I feel when I was younger as a teenager, we would talk a lot about music and bands together, so we would do that. I mean, I’m giving a lot of different activities. Let’s say stick to adulthood. We like to garden and we like to hike. So spend time in nature and talk about art and music.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:28:23]:
Now, you— as a mother yourself and as a mother to a daughter, if you could give your daughter one life lesson in a single sentence, what would it be?

Endia Crabtree [00:28:29]:
I would say that it’s okay to make mistake.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:28:32]:
And what’s one thing that you’ve learned about yourself since becoming a mother?

Endia Crabtree [00:28:37]:
You cannot control what goes on.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:28:39]:
And finally, what advice would you give to other dads who want to build a lasting and meaningful relationship with their daughters.

Endia Crabtree [00:28:47]:
Even if your daughter doesn’t express it, your daughter is going to appreciate the role that you play in their life.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:28:52]:
Well, Sophia, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for being here. If people want to find out more about you and the book, where should they go?

Endia Crabtree [00:28:58]:
Yes, thank you so much for having me. So you can visit my website, www.sophiagallano.com. Um, you can follow me on Instagram, Sophia Vale underscore Gallano. My book is available Penguin Random House, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, independent bookstores. You can also reach out to me directly if, you know, you’re having a hard time finding it or you want a signed copy. I can do that too.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:29:20]:
Well, again, Sophia, thank you so much, not only for being here today, for sharing your own story with your own father, but also for putting this book out into the world. It is a challenging time at this point for our kids as they maneuver through those teenage years. And for all of us as parents, we always are going to have that anxiety that’ll rear its head within our kids, and we have to know ways to be able to do that, and this book does just that. So I truly appreciate you sharing not only thoughts for us to consider today, but also for putting this book out into the world as a tool, as a resource for us to be able to be those parents that we want to become.

Endia Crabtree [00:29:55]:
Thank you so much for having me, and thank you for everyone listening. I appreciate the dads out there that are seeking to become even better parents and support their teens. So thank you.

Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:30:05]:
That’s a wrap for this episode of the Dad and Daughter Connection. Thanks for joining us on this journey to build stronger bonds and raise confident, independent daughters. Remember, being an engaged dad isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being present. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and share it with a fellow dad. And don’t forget, you can find all our episodes at dadanddaughterconnection.com. Until next time, keep showing up, keep connecting, and keep being the dad she needs.

Sophia Vale Galano [00:30:36]:
We’re all in the same boat. And it’s full of tiny screaming passengers. We spend the time, we give the lessons, we make the meals, we buy them presents. Bring your A-game, ’cause those kids are growing fast. The time Time goes by just like a dynamite blast. Calling astronauts and firemen, carpenters and muscle men, get out and be the world to them. Be the best dad you can be. Be the best dad you can be.

The post Building Stronger Bonds: Dads, Daughters, and Calming Teenage Anxiety appeared first on Dad of Divas.

Validating your daughter’s emotions—even when you don’t fully understand them.

Let’s be real—sometimes your daughter’s reactions might feel dramatic, confusing, or even over-the-top. Maybe she’s crying about a lost hair clip. Maybe she’s devastated over a friendship shift that seems minor to you. But here’s the truth:
What matters to her deserves your respect—because what you validate becomes the bridge to deeper connection.

Let’s explore why that validation matters, and how you can start doing it today—even when you don’t get it.

Why Emotional Validation Matters

Your daughter’s emotional world is real—even if it doesn’t make sense to you. When you validate her feelings, you’re sending these messages:

• “Your emotions are real and important.”
• “I’m not here to fix you—I’m here to understand you.”
• “You’re not alone in this.”

And that? That builds trust. It builds confidence. And it helps her learn how to process emotions in healthy ways, instead of stuffing them down or feeling ashamed of them.

3 Ways to Validate Her Emotions—Even If You Don’t Understand Them

1. Listen First. Don’t Problem-Solve.

When your daughter shares something emotional, your instinct might be to offer advice, solutions, or logic. But before you go there—pause and listen.

Try this:

• “That sounds really frustrating.”
• “Wow, I can tell that really got to you.”
• “Tell me more about what happened.”

She doesn’t need a fix. She needs a safe place to feel without being judged.

2. Reflect What You Hear—Not What You Think

Even if you don’t fully get why something upset her, you can still reflect it back with empathy.

Examples:

• “It sounds like you felt left out when that happened.”
• “You were really excited about that, and it didn’t go how you hoped. That’s disappointing.”
• “It makes sense that you’d feel upset about that.”

You’re not saying her feelings are right or wrong—you’re just showing her they’re valid. That builds emotional safety.

3. Resist the Urge to Minimize or Compare

It’s easy to say:

• “It’s not that big of a deal.”
• “When I was your age, I had it worse.”
• “You’re overreacting.”

Even if you mean well, those phrases teach her that her emotions aren’t worth sharing. Instead, focus on connection, not correction.

Try this instead:

• “I may not fully understand it, but I can see that this matters to you—and that’s enough for me to care about it too.”

Quick Takeaway: Try This Today

Here’s your challenge:
The next time your daughter shares something emotional—even if it feels small to you—validate it.

You can say:

• “I see how much this is affecting you.”
• “Thanks for trusting me with that.”
• “I may not totally get it, but I’m here with you in it.”

Even a single validating response can shift how safe she feels with you. And when she feels safe, she keeps the conversation going.

That’s it for today’s Dad Connections in 5. Remember—your daughter isn’t looking for perfect words. She’s looking for presence. For empathy. For someone who says, “Even when I don’t understand exactly what you’re feeling—I’m here, and I care.”

Until next time—keep showing up, keep listening with your heart, and keep reminding her that her emotions are safe with you.

If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X.

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Helping your daughter develop a positive inner voice.

That little voice in her head—the one that speaks when no one else is around—can either be her biggest encourager or her harshest critic. And believe it or not, you play a huge role in shaping that voice.

Let’s talk about how to guide it, strengthen it, and make sure she learns to speak to herself with the same kindness and belief you already have in her.

Why Her Inner Voice Matters

Your daughter’s inner voice helps shape:

• How she views herself
• How she handles mistakes
• How she builds confidence
• How she stands up for herself and others

It becomes her compass when you’re not there. The way you talk to her today can become the way she talks to herself tomorrow.

3 Ways to Help Her Build a Positive Inner Voice

1. Praise Effort, Not Just Outcome

When she hears:

• “You’re so smart!”
  She might learn to fear failure.

But when she hears:

• “You worked hard on that—look how far you’ve come!”
  She learns to value growth over perfection.

This teaches her that her worth isn’t tied to performance—it’s tied to her perseverance and heart.

2. Let Her Hear You Talk to Yourself Kindly

Modeling matters. If you constantly say things like,

• “Ugh, I’m so stupid.”
• “I messed everything up again,”
• She’s listening—even if you think she’s not.

Instead, try:

• “That didn’t go the way I wanted, but I’ll figure it out.”
• “I made a mistake, but I’m learning.”

Your self-talk teaches her that mistakes aren’t the end—they’re just part of the journey.

3. Reframe Negative Thoughts With Her

When she says:

•  “I’m terrible at this,”

Instead of dismissing it or disagreeing outright, say:

• “That sounds like a tough moment. Want to talk about why you feel that way?”

Then gently guide her to reframe it:

• “It’s okay to struggle. That doesn’t make you bad at it—it makes you human.”
• “You’re learning, and that takes time. You’ve got this.”

Over time, she’ll learn to talk to herself with the same compassion.

Quick Takeaway: Try This Today

Here’s your challenge:
Catch her doing something well today—and name the effort behind it.

Try:

• “You stuck with that even when it was hard. That’s amazing.”
• “I love how you kept going even when it didn’t work at first.”
• “You showed real kindness today—did you notice that?”

And if she shares a negative thought, gently ask:

• “What would you say to a friend who felt that way?”
  Then encourage her to say it to herself.

That’s it for today’s  Dad Connections in 5. Remember—your daughter’s inner voice is being built every day. With your encouragement, your modeling, and your love, that voice can become one that lifts her up for life.

Until next time—keep affirming, keep modeling grace, and keep helping her become her own best supporter.

If you enjoyed this episode we ask you to take a moment to take our Dad and Daughter Connection Survey to let us know more about you as a dad. You can also sign up to get our newsletter to stay connected to our community and we will send items of interest to you to help you to be the dad that you want to be. Feel free to follow me on the following social media platforms: Facebook, Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, X.

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