16/06/2023
Happy Father's Day
The phrase "Father knows best" often implies that a father has the wisdom and authority to make the right decisions for his family. It was also the title of a popular sitcom in the 1950s that portrayed a happy and idealized middle-class family.[1] But does Father really know best? And what does it mean to be a good father to a daughter? I will explore these questions in this blog and share some insights from research and personal experience.
A father-daughter relationship is one of the most important and influential relationships in a girl's life. It can have a lasting impact on her self-esteem, confidence, trust and security, A father can also shape his daughter's expectations and preferences in her future romantic relationships. According to some studies,[2][3] a father who is involved, supportive and responsive can help his daughter develop better cognitive, social and emotional skills. He can also influence her values, interests and aspirations by sharing his passions, hobbies and stories. He can also have fun with his daughter by playing games, telling jokes or going on adventures.
So how can fathers know what is best for their daughters? I think there is no simple or universal answer to this question. Every daughter is unique and every situation is different. What works for one father may not work for another. However, I think there are some general principles that can guide fathers in their parenting journey:
• Respect your daughter. Treat her with dignity and kindness – the qualities she wants to see also in you. Show her that you value her opinions, feelings and needs. Be supportive, understanding and compassionate.
• Communicate with your daughter. Express your love, praise and gratitude. Share your thoughts, values and expectations. Be honest and respectful.
• Support your daughter. Encourage her to pursue her goals and dreams. Help her overcome her challenges and difficulties while at the same time learning to overcome your own honestly before her. Celebrate her achievements and successes.
• Teach your daughter. Provide her with guidance, advice and feedback. Help her learn new skills and knowledge but also learn from her – emotionally, with patience, in honesty etc.
Model positive behaviors and attitudes. Teach her empathy as you also learn how to be empathetic to her emotional crises and don’t be afraid to cry when you experience deep pain or grief.
• Play with your daughter. Enjoy spending time together doing fun activities. Explore new places and experiences. Laugh and have fun. Most of all let your daughter see you as a real human being with hurts and pains, emotions, love, respect, empathy, fun loving but also firm and responsible.
I believe that by following these principles, fathers can know what is best for their daughters most of the time. Of course, fathers are not perfect and they may make mistakes sometimes. But that is okay, as long as they learn from them and try to do better next time. The most important thing is that fathers love their daughters unconditionally and show them that they matter.
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog and found it helpful or inspiring. If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to share them below. Thank you for reading!
Be sure to see my book for fathers: "Why Fathers Need Daughters. How Raising Daughters Helps Fathers Become Better Men" - https://www.amazon.com/Why-Fathers-NEED-DAUGHTERS-Daughters/dp/B09ZCYWYY5/ref=pd_ci_mcx_mh_mcx_views_0?pd_rd_w=9yoZn&content-id=amzn1.sym.0250fb24-4363-44d0-b635-ac15f859c3b5&pf_rd_p=0250fb24-4363-44d0-b635-ac15f859c3b5&pf_rd_r=9FMB5DHDFNR1RY7Q49W8&pd_rd_wg=hx1Yj&pd_rd_r=ec54a07a-d95d-4641-962b-001490aa9966&pd_rd_i=B09ZCYWYY5
[1] https://www.verywellfamily.com/strengthening-father-daughter-relationships-1270127
[2] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/inside-out/201307/how-dads-shape-daughters-relationships
[3] https://www.momjunction.com/articles/father-daughter-relationship_00420877/
Why Fathers NEED DAUGHTERS: How Raising Daughters Helps Fathers Become Better Men
