Dad might skip graduation because of feud

DEAR AMY » I raised my daughter as a single father. She’s graduating soon with a master’s degree. Even though I’m very proud of her academic success, I’m very disappointed in her other life choices, such as who she lives with, and bad financial decisions.

Two years ago, she got upset because I expressed my disappointment in her bad life choices — mainly the financial ones. I didn’t teach her about finances growing up, but recently learned a lot about how to handle money. As I tried to tell her what to do, she got loud and cursed at me. We both said a few choice words. I hung up, and we haven’t spoken since.

I got an invitation to her graduation. My mother and other family members want me to go, but I’m unsure. As a father I feel like I should honor her achievement, but I don’t feel she appreciates what I went through to get full custody and to raise her by myself. I don’t want to reward her disrespect, but I don’t want to send her on a guilt trip either. What do you think? — Upset Father

DEAR FATHER » Parenting does not end at the college door. Nor should parenting end after an argument.

By hanging up and not speaking to your daughter for two years (!) you are demonstrating the following: Disputes cannot be resolved. The consequence for losing your temper is estrangement.

Your response should have been: “I’m sorry we got so angry with each other. When you cursed at me, I was shocked and disappointed. But I’m ashamed of my own reaction, and I hope you will forgive me for that. I want you to know that I’m proud of your accomplishments. I also hope you understand that as your father, I do want to weigh in on choices you make that worry me. All the same, you are an adult now, and I want you to know that I am in your corner. Don’t ever forget that.”

Of course you should attend this ceremony! To miss it would be needlessly punishing, so long after the fact. It also puts the focus on you, your needs and your wounded feelings, when it should be on her and her accomplishment.