Adolescence can be rough on girls - and their Dads. Fathers are challenged by a little girl who is becoming something very different. The most important thing Dads can do is love their daughters. Doing so wards off risks that are unique to girls. Attention from Dad is a strong antidote to self-doubt, eating disorders, and depression.

The father-daughter relationship is key in raising girls who grow into an independent young women, capable of making good decisions and creating a happy life. Use these tips to love and raise healthy, confident daughters.

Spend time together.

Set a weekly lunch or coffee date. Take up a sport you can play together such as running or tennis. Talk to your daughter about the dangers of drug and alcohol use, but also take time to listen. Ask your daughter about her school, friends, movies and music. Take her to a concert.

Attending your daughter's school functions, sporting events, and social activities will make her feel loved. It can help maintain good grades and increase her enjoyment of school. Although she may ignore you at the time, she's secretly proud to see you watching her.

Model good behavior.

Just as you ate your brocoli so your little girl would do the same, you need to show her with your own actions how to manage the stress of the teen years. Share with your teenaged daughter the stresses you face and how you cope with them.

Teach your daughter how to set realistic goals, prioritize, getting enough sleep, and get adequate exercise not by preaching, but by doing all those things yourself.

Recognize strengths.

Foster your daughter's self worth by treating her as an individual. Avoid comparisons to siblings or peers. Praise your daughter as often as possible, for the right reasons.

Encourage a teenage girl to focus her energy on talents and interests rather than pleasing others through weight and beauty. Be selective with your compliments, aware of what you are encouraging. Take care to notice things other than physical attributes.

Encourage service.

Teens are often wrapped up in their own troubles. Hormones and new feelings can make them feel like the only person who has ever experienced a breakup or the loss of a good friend.

When kids engage in community service, they get their minds off their own problems. Spending time with a group of like minded kids keeps them busy and chances are they'll make friends with others whose families share your values.

Be tough.

Just because you're trying to connect doesn't mean you need to be a pushover. Monitor her activities and know her friends. Keep track of where she, who she's with, and what she's doing at all times. Know her friends and their parents. Set clear rules and enforce them, including regular check-in times. Let her know what you expect. Parental disapproval is among the strongest deterrent to drug use and other dangerous behavior.

Stand firm, but don't forget the hugs. Physical affection from Dad means your daughter doesn't need to look for it elsewhere.