Parenting and raising children is never an easy job, and it's even tougher for single parents. Single dads are one of the most underestimated parents. It has been a society's norm that men, or fathers, are not the children-rearing type. Most of the time children are close to their mothers, especially the little ones.
Being a single dad can get a little out of hand, especially if you have a daughter. It may be hard to imagine a man raising a little girl alone, but it's not impossible and it happens more than you would think. Although raising a daughter can be intimidating since you have to understand and manage all the social situations in the future, handle complex feelings, and developmental changes as your daughter grow up, it can be a huge challenge to single fathers. It takes a lot of patience, courage, effort, and understanding for a single dad to raise a daughter alone.
In general, whether you are a single mom or a dad, being a single parent goes through almost the same struggle in raising a child. There will be situations and circumstances that are nearly impossible to get through with, but if you know what to do to make the situation feel a little lighter, you can go a long way.
If you're a single dad and you're going through the father-daughter process, here are some tips that you can take in raising a daughter.
Don't think that you are alone.
You may be considered as a single dad, but it does not mean you're alone. Raising a child cannot be done by just one person, and one way or another, you will always seek for help. It is important for single fathers to have someone or a group of people that they can lean on in raising a daughter. Do not underestimate a female influence, because it can be really helpful and can bring a huge impact on your daughter's development and growth. You can always give your mother, your daughter's grandmother, for help. Or if you have a sister or a female cousin, you can always let them visit you and your daughter and let them spend time with her.
Be open to your daughter.
Communication is always key to a healthy and strong relationship. This also goes to a father and daughter relationship. Although it may be hard for your daughter to come up to you for "girl" problems because you both are of different sexes, let them know that you are open to any conversation and that they can trust you to be their number one advisor and supporter. It is always best to listen to their problems, help them identify what went wrong, and show them what to do next to solve it. Be empathetic and compassionate towards them and they will realize that you're a good shoulder to lean on when they need one.
Raise her to be a fighter
It is essential for children to know how to do and fix problems on their own even at a young age. When your daughter is facing a challenge that they find it hard to encompass, help her think through it. Encourage her to keep trying and never give up until the problem is fixed. You can set her the alternatives that she can do for her to achieve the solution.
Don't be too overprotective
Fathers are known to be very strict and protective compared to mothers, that is why children are closer to their mothers than to their dads. Since you're raising your daughter alone, make your relationship healthier and open by letting her be who she wants to be. Don't be strict or overprotective, but instead guide her in every step of the way. This will also help her be independent but still grounded.
Get involved in her life
Your daughter will need 100% of your support, effort, and time in everything that they do, so it is your duty as a single parent to be there for her and make her feel loved. Be responsible and smart enough to know all her likes and dislikes, and take interest in things she is also interested in.
