Everyone needs to feel heard. You won't always be able to solve all their problems. But you can make them feel heard. And often that's more important.

I'll add to what others have said about listening, don't assume she wants you to solve every problem. My dad used to do that and it drove me crazy, especially when he'd point out out like it was so obvious. I often already knew the solution, but sometimes I didn't like it or just wanted to vent before moving forward. I think it's good for most relationships to ask, "do you want advice or is this just to get it off your chest," before responding, not just with daughters, but I've noticed dads are particularly prone to wanting to fix the thing.

Being a parent is like one part being a therapist, one part being the fence to the boundaries of exploration, and one part being The Doctor or some superhero in your child's eyes capable of making magic and excitement happen. Fucking incredible, honestly.

Because listening takes energy.

You won’t always know what’s wrong with your daughter or what she needs but if you listen to her, like really listen, she will tell you which is so much more important.

In the long term, her being about to tell you things will make her feel safe and validated, it will strengthen your bond with each other, and it will help her develop the emotional intelligence to express herself in a healthy way that so many kids are missing these days. It’s win win win.

Because even though you might know what will be best for her - You might not have her big picture.