Teen Daughter Syndrome

Note: This is written from a Dad's perspective, although much of the angst is shared by Moms.TDS moves our culture like a an unseen whale ripples the the surface of the water. Sometimes like a semi thrown into the water by Godzilla.

Here's the picture: big, burly contractor who looks like he uses his hands to crush glass is in the mall with his 16 year old daughter. The untrained observer will miss that the damage has already been done because he is in the mall to begin with. The 230 pound mover of heavy objects is flanked by 98 pounds of bright indifference. She suddenly removes her oversized sun glasses, turns to the Mass and simply asks

"Daddy?"

You know the sad story. Another FPS (Father Protective Services) statistic. He has no choice here. All of his attention, energy, resources are now poised with the anticipation that he might be able to make her happy.

"Yeah, sweetie?"

The answer may be gruff or distant, to preserve the thin shroud of dignity he wears in public. However, if it is in his power to grant her request or only bend a federal law to accomplish it, he will.

Why is this tragedy repeated with such appalling frequency? What happened to the warriors, hunters, captains of industry, pioneers who spit in the face of death and drank danger like a diet soda? The same men who served in combat, have lead businesses and families through the gamut of tragedy, and stitched their own head wounds are now walking with their daughters through the Ms section in Kohls. Why has this not been addressed? The fact that the current President has 2 daughters gives me great pause...

You still don't believe me? Go to a department store. Play a recording of a little girl saying "Daddy!" and every father within a mile will turn their head and look, even if their daughter is grown and gone. The same programming can be observed in parks, restaurants, theaters and schools.

Can Dads ever have their hearts back? Where did this start?

I'll wait another day to turn my daughter in to FPS...