Human nature!

Early man was a nomad, and you cant lose your mool swaroop no matter how many billion years its been!

God gave us brains so that we explore world and that is exactly what your daughter is doing when she wanders away from your values, principles and teachings. She needs guidance, not rules. I know we are not the kinds wholl impose watertight regulations on her, but she is more curious and ambitious than we think!

Knowing your daughters is not as simple as talking to her. We need to observe her more closely. Dont just look at ye kya karti rehti hai but also yeh aisa kyun kart hai.

Be her friend, her dost, her saccha yaar . Talk to her about everything on earth. Even on topics you are not interested in but you think your daughter is. Tell her jokes (if you remember any) or listen to hers. Make her so comfortable that she absolutely does not hesitate to tell you her experiences, problems (often theyll be quite silly) and even her latest crush list (no kidding, dil khol ke bolne do!).

Go out with her, often, to places she wants too be, coffee shops, lounges or a mall with no specific purpose (Oh! She is not thinking youre old, believe me!).

Know her friends well. Invite them for lunches; encourage her to meet them at home. That way youll know what company she is in. It would be great if you could be a part of their yap yapping, for a while. Also talk to her about them, ask her what she feels about each of them (casually, of course!). And dont forget to share what you feel about them too.

Give her some privacy. Does that sound difficult after all this? Its not. In fact it becomes easier now! Let her shut the door if she feels like. Let her talk to her friend in another room. Dont keep asking her who called, why he/she keeps calling and dont ask her to give you a minute-to-minute report of where shes been all day! She might not want to let you explore her mobile. Jane do.

Dont tell her what is right and what is wrong. Instead, tell her why is it right or wrong. She might have a different opinion. Listen to her, she too might just have a point there !

Freedom and friendship, both arent free. They come with a strong sense of Responsibility and Reliability. Life is like a spring. The more you suppress it, the more it leaps up when the strain is no more. Dont strain her to wonder. Set her free and watch her blossom!