6 ESSENTIAL FACTS DADS
SHOULD TEACH THEIR DAUGHTERS
So many girls and women today suffer or flourish in
life-long relationships because of the influence or the lack of influence from
their fathers.
The fun but sometimes scary thing about raising a
daughter is that every dad has the opportunity and responsibility to show her
what a “real man” is and to give her confidence to face the world with
happiness and strength.
The truth of the matter is that we aren’t always
the kind to sit down, sip tea with teddy bears, and teach with words, but the
following six things are ways that dads can make the message sink in. I’ll try
to keep the mushy stuff to a minimum.
1. How to
Change a Tire and Change the Oil
Teach her to be self-reliant, even with things that
society says are “men’s jobs.” Teach her how to count on herself and to know
that she has the power to be successful and confident. Teach her to be tough
when she needs to and to be able to care for herself and others.
2. It’s OK
to Wear Pink
No matter how tough and capable she is, encourage
and appreciate her natural, feminine qualities.
3. She is
Beautiful – No Matter What
Beauty is more than physical, but I have never met
a girl that did not love to hear those words. The world can be cruel. When zits
come, or if she gains a few pounds, she always needs to hear from her daddy
that she is beautiful.
4. She is
More than Just Beautiful
Teach her that she is not an object—she is your
daughter! Show her how men should treat women by your example. The media
objectifies women more than ever before, and dads are the greatest force
against the barrage of body messages that are thrown at our daughters. Make
sure you’re not only complementing her physical beauty, but her mind, her
kindness, and her character. Show her that you value these traits in the women
in your life, especially in her mother.
5. When to
Open Her Mouth
Strength is not masculine or feminine; it has to do
with character. Help her learn to say “no” to people and to stand up for what
she deems right, even when it’s not comfortable or popular.
6. When to
Keep Her Mouth Shut
Gossip and backbiting are common, especially in
today’s technological society. Bullies don’t have to be 200-pound brutes any
longer with Facebook and other social media; all it takes is cruel words,
gossip, and rumors. Teach her to treat others with kindness and to seek to add
value to others rather than to take it away.
So, be the “real man” in your daughter’s life that
will give her trust and confidence in her future and the capability to face it.
