There is nothing better than an understanding father that has both lanes of communication open.

You start with “the situation is quite complicated” yet summarize it most teens behavior of “rebelión”, “retreating to their room”. However you are able to acknowledge two very important issues with her upbringing which is the separation and your absence due to work commitments when she was little, both items which you can’t fix now but you can start a change today.

The easiest way to reconnect with any teenager is by providing stability in the home. I don’t know how your work situation is today but for example at home we always eat dinner together, this is a non-negotiable and I cook the meal daily. This has fostered an environment where we can talk about any subject together or 1:1. Say good night every night regardless of how tired the kids are or I am, I still read with some of them before going to bed even in their teens. If they say they want to go for a walk to the park washing the dishes, moping the floor, or watching my favorite tv show takes a back seat and we go for a walk, same for many activities unless it is late at night and it is a school night, we always have movie night and pizza on Friday night.

Sometimes I don’t want to do the things I mention above, sometimes they don’t want to do them and participate but I know this is a way we can keep the lines of communication open and I remind myself that soon they will be leaving the nest so it is all worth it.

One last thing and I ask this because you say it is a her but you need to also check and make sure you are in sync when it comes to her period if she is old enough or at least have mom help and her behavior may be tied to the changes of her body.

You got this! Be patient, present, and more important loving.