Quinceañera Guide for Fathers
By: Michael Kabel
 The Quinceañera can be a tough time for fathers. It's hard watching any child grow up, but for daughters standing on the edge of young adulthood, the shift to their teenage years can be troubling and exhilarating all at once. Troubling because they're going to start feeling adult pressures soon, especially from the opposite sex. (You were a teenaged boy once, and you remember what it was like noticing a pretty girl for the first time.) Exhilarating because you'll get the first glimpse of the woman you've helped raise, and the person she's going to become.
 You role in the weeks and months leading up to the Quinceañera celebration involves lots of patience. Your big moment comes during the first vals, of course, and making the thank you toast to all the guests. But there's still plenty to help your little girl with first.

Know When to Say No
 The Quinceañera entitles your little girl to make her own decisions, but you can't be a good father if you don't protect her from bad choices. And unfortunately, you'll probably have at least one opportunity to "throw yourself in front of a bullet" when it comes to your daughter's ideas.
 You can't really put your foot down, but you can wave your arms and throw up signal flares when you think your daughter is about to make a serious mistake. Whether she realizes it or not, she needs your help. And if she won't bend, you need to find a compromise you can both live with. It can be tough relinquishing the authority, but letting it go a little will earn your daughter's trust and respect, at a time when you’ll need to keep it more than before, as you get ready for the turbulent teenaged years just ahead.

Coordinate With the Padrinos
 You probably played a partial role in the selection of your daughter's padrinos, if not a complete one. Odds are, the padrinos are her godparents, and they're probably your friend, brother, or close relative as well. As such, you're in a unique position to act as a go-between for your daughter and her sponsors alike. You can represent both their wants and comfort limits without truly taking sides.
 Make sure both sides know you're putting yourself into this role right away, though, so no resentment pops up if you do have to arbitrate a disagreement.

Do The Driving and the Legwork
 As the father of a teenaged girl, your choices are either buy the girl a car or drive her around everywhere! Much of the Quinceañera arrangements will involve traveling from place to place and making the best decision from a handful of options. At least when you take her from place to place, you'll see the choices first-hand.

Collaborate Whenever Possible
 Whether choosing the venue, the invitations, or the Quinceañera guest favors, you'll want to have a say in the final arrangements. But hold yourself back, and simply make suggestions. Invite the Quince mother's advice, too, since she'll also experiencing many of the same emotions you feel.
 You and the Quince girl should also agree on the music played for the waltz. You've probably got a song already in mind – but so does she! The two of you can surely work things out, if you communicate.

Take Pride In the Fiesta
 This one's pretty much a slam-dunk, but remember that the fiesta is your little girl's time to shine. At least for the first waltz, she's going to need your help. Get some practicing done on your own time with the dance moves, so you're as graceful as she could hope for as the two of you move around the dance floor.
When it's time to thank the guests for coming, have a few notes written out beforehand, to keep the salute as brief and lively as possible.