I Almost Lost My Daughter

In last week’s newsletter, we explored ways to strengthen bonds with our children, highlighting how a recent family vacation became a meaningful opportunity to deepen our connection. If you missed it, you can catch up here. That said, I have a confession: my past parenting approach was far from ideal. Had I not made some pivotal changes, this trip—and the relationship it reflects—might never have been possible.

The Breaking Point

It happened when my daughter was in her late teens. We were locked in a heated discussion, and I fell back on a familiar pattern: attempting to "solve" the issue with advice from a book, a quote, or an audio program. My intention was to help, but my delivery missed the mark. Suddenly, she burst into tears and exclaimed, “This is just another example where I will never be good enough for you!” before storming out of the room.

I was stunned. Her words hit me like a freight train, exposing cracks in our relationship that I hadn’t even realized were there. Initially, I felt defensive—self-righteous even. But as the evening wore on, I couldn’t shake the pain in her voice. It forced me to reflect on my parenting.

Proximity Without Vulnerability

On reflection, I realized I had been failing with my parenting in two critical areas: proximity and vulnerability.

• Proximity: My business consumed the best of my time and energy, leaving my kids with what was left over. I was physically present at times, but emotionally distant—a shadow of the parent they really needed me to be.

• Vulnerability: I believed I had to project the image of a flawless parent. It’s how I was raised; my father was my hero, and I never saw him show uncertainty or weakness. I thought this was the example I needed to emulate - but this was making me unrelatable and leaving my daughter feeling unworthy.

A Turning Point

The next morning, I knocked on her door and asked if we could go to breakfast. Sitting across from her at the restaurant, I began with the two most powerful words in the English language: 

“I’m sorry.”

I admitted that I was parenting the way I had been taught, that I didn’t have it all figured out, and that in reflection, I realized I had been making some mistakes. Then, I did something I hadn’t done before—instead of giving her advice, I started asking her questions. 

I inquired how I could improve our relationship and how I would need to show up to be a better father to her. As we talked, tears flowed freely, even in the middle of the busy restaurant. I am sure that the other tables around were wondering what was going on.  As I reflect on that moment, I am overwhelmed with joy, knowing tears are often the best way for the heart to communicate. 

My vulnerability gave her permission to be vulnerable too. It was the first meaningful conversation I could remember having with her, and it became a turning point - not just for our relationship but for the way I would parent moving forward.

The Shift: From Superficial to Substantial

Today, I would describe my relationship with my children as world-class. We have scheduled regular meetings but it is not just to talk about the weather and current events in their life but rather to have deep, meaningful conversations that go beyond surface-level dialogue. As a result I now feel close to my kids, which has led to so many other opportunities for us to connect together.  Not just on phone calls and text but in planning adventures where we build meaningful memories together.

As I have looked back on that moment where my daughter had the courage to confront me, I have a huge sense of gratitude. I see it now as a huge pivotal inflection point in my journey as a parent.

Vulnerability + Proximity = Connection

Proximity without vulnerability leads to artificial harmony, where everyone looks at each other "grins faking,” pretending everything is fine. Vulnerability without proximity can feel hollow and unsatisfying. The magic happens when you bring both together, creating a safe space for honest, meaningful dialogue.

Parenting is not about perfection; it’s about connection. It’s about showing up, being present, and being real. My daughter’s willingness to speak her truth and my decision to hear it and then to embrace vulnerability, transformed our relationship. 

Today, I’m proud to say that we share a bond rooted in trust, love, and mutual respect.  The picture above may seem funny to you but I look at it fondly. My daughter and I share a common passion for music.  We took this picture as we were singing and dancing next to a stage, at a gig of one of our favorite bands. A memory that likely would never have happened if I had not chosen to make some course corrections in my life.  

If you’re navigating challenges in your closest relationships, I encourage you to take the first step. Be vulnerable. Say you’re sorry. Ask questions and truly listen. In the immortal words of CS Lewis “You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” It’s never too late to start building a connection with your kids that lasts

As you reflect on this week's topic, stop and ask yourself the following questions:

Are you prioritizing proximity with your loved ones, or are the best hours of your day being spent elsewhere?

When was the last time you admitted a mistake or showed vulnerability to someone close to you?

Are your conversations building bridges of trust and connection, or are they creating barriers that get stuck in artificial harmony, “grin faking” each other?

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Brad Pedersen

Vijay Krishnan