When "I'm Fine" Doesn't Mean Fine: Dads, Daughters, and the Communication Gap

Your daughter says she’s had a terrible day. You ask what happened, offer advice, or try to fix it—and suddenly she shuts down. In this episode, Michael Flores, LPC-S, and Arrianna Cervantes, LPC-Associate, explore the communication gap that can develop between dads and their preteen or teenage daughters. They discuss why a dad’s instinct to help can sometimes leave a daughter feeling unheard, even when both are ultimately looking for the same thing: connection. Michael and Arrianna share practical ways dads can slow down, get curious, and figure out what their daughter actually needs: Do you want me to listen, help, or give you some space? They also discuss defensiveness, emotional safety, and how moms can support the father-daughter relationship. Because the goal isn’t just getting your daughter to talk—it’s becoming someone she knows she can talk to when she’s ready. If Beyond Divorce: Embracing Change is helping you navigate your family after divorce, follow the show and leave us a rating. Send this episode to someone who could use the support and let them know they're not alone.