3 Things Every Father of a Girl Should Remember
We often hear about how important it is for fathers of boys to have a strong relationship with their sons. But young girls are equally impacted by the quality of their relationship with their father. It affects not only their early development but also their success throughout adolescence and into adulthood. (1)
As the eldest of three girls who had a great dad, I can attest to how crucial a strong father-daughter bond is. When my parents got divorced when I was in middle school, my dad fought hard to have equal time with us, and he made sure we talked on the phone every day. His love and guidance helped me move through the challenges of my teenage years and formulate the kind of life I wanted as an adult. And now, in my thirties, my dad and I still talk on the phone at least once a day.
With the importance of the father-daughter relationship in mind, these are three things every father of a girl should remember.
1. My role is important even when my children are infants.
While a mother’s role in parenting infants may seem more obvious than a father’s, it doesn’t make fathering any less essential at that stage. In fact, there is a multitude of ways for dads to be hands-on from the very beginning, whether they’re soothing their child, changing a diaper, or giving a bath. (2, 3)
The effects of a father’s involvement in his daughter’s life are seen early. Toddlers with a strong connection with their fathers are more academically ready at the start of preschool. And kiddos also show more patience and resilience at school when they have an involved father. (3)
2. I should love my wife the same way I want my daughter to be loved.
Fathers indirectly affect their daughters through their relationship with the mother of their children. When parents have a good relationship, fathers spend more time with their children, setting them up to receive all of the benefits of a strong father-daughter relationship. (1)
A loving and respectful relationship between parents also sets an example for children. A daughter who sees her father treat her mother with respect will have high expectations for the behavior of her future partner. She will be less likely to become involved in violent or abusive relationships. (1)
3. My relationship with my daughter supports her long-term success.
A strong father-daughter relationship is a predictor for success from childhood through adulthood. Daughters who have strong relationships with their fathers will have healthier emotional and psychological well-being. They will exhibit pro-social behaviors like self-regulation, managing impulses, and communicating with others. (3)
This impact extends to academic success. Evidence suggests that children with fathers who are nurturing, involved, and playful have higher IQs. They also tend to have better verbal skills, intellectual functioning, and academic achievement as adolescents. All of these skills better prepare children to find success as adults. (1)
Expectations for the role of the father are ever-changing in our society. But as the father of a girl, you can always be certain that you are one of the most important people in her life. (3)
