New daddies often take a step back whenever the baby is a girl, making a huge mistake. Most of the time, fathers of baby girls feel as if they are in alien territory when taking care of their daughters, and so they retreat and give all responsibilities to the mother. They do not realize that strong father-and-daughter relationships can provide something unique. Fathers have much to offer their daughters as mothers can.
A study revealed that a solid father-daughter relationship allows a girl to develop healthy self-esteem, security, competitiveness, and even femininity. These girls are shown to be more competent in math and science. Moreover, daughters who enjoy good and healthy relationships with their fathers are the least to engage in alcohol or illegal drugs or get into sexual behavior early.
Fathers become the standard for all men
One of the essential reasons daughters need a beautiful and authentic bond with their dads is that this bond will protect them from future suitors and men in their lives. The father will become the standard for the kind of men they allow into their lives.
A father should not allow space between him and his daughter because, ultimately, that space will be taken by some other guy who might not show the kind of love a father can give. Instead, a father should take advantage of every moment, especially in the early years, to show his daughter what true love is, her priceless worth, and how she should be treated.
All Pro Dad shared seven reasons daughters need their fathers' presence:
1. Daughters need fathers to be involved.
Daughters would want their fathers to be active participants and "actively interested" in their lives. Fathers need to join their daughters in their hobbies. Be their number one cheerleader in the talents they have or choose to practice. Learn more about her interests and be interested in them as well.
2. Daughters need their fathers to show them a healthy marriage.
The first relationship a daughter will ever see is her parents' marriage. The relationship she will see between her father and mother will be the basis of her future relationship and how a woman, a wife, and a mother should be treated.
3. Daughters need the support of their fathers, as this can build strong self-esteem and a positive self-image.
4. Daughters need their fathers to become their confidants.
It isn't true that daughters would only want to share their thoughts and secrets with their mothers since they are both females. Daughters also want to share a special bond with their fathers where they can openly share their thoughts and secrets. Fathers should treat daughters with respect and confidence when discussing their personal issues.
5. Daughters need their fathers' unconditional love.
Fathers should let their daughters know that they are loved unconditionally like Jesus loves - that even if they mess up badly, their arms and hearts are always open to welcome and accept them again.
6. Daughters need fathers who can be strong spiritual leaders.
Fathers should be the spiritual leaders of families, introducing God to their children and never doubting to include Him in family conversations. Fathers should be able to teach their daughters how to pray, how to forgive, and how to never lose the faith.
7. Daughters need their fathers to become their positive role models.
The father is the first man a daughter will intimately know in her life. Thus, the father sets the bar for all other men that she will encounter and will try to enter her life and her heart. Being a positive role model, the father will be of great help when it is time for his daughter to choose her future husband.
The father benefits as well
But a good and healthy father-daughter relationship does not only benefit the daughter but the father as well.
Many dads have admitted that having a daughter changed how they behave not only as a father but as men in general, and these changes are for the better.
In an interview with Parents Mag, John Jimenez, a Los Angeles firefighter, said that when he had a daughter, he discovered the importance of the kind of messages he says and gives. He has become more conscious of his words, especially towards women, which has positively changed his behavior.
Seattle dad Richard Rhodes, on the other hand, cringed now whenever he hears sexist jokes and has stopped watching movies and shows that show women in vulnerable positions. Rhodes declared that having five daughters has changed not only his behavior but his perspective as well of things.
