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It’s common knowledge that the daddy-daughter bond is special. It’s a bond that no one else is let into. Dads are some of the most important people in the world. He’s one of the primary parents who is responsible for taking care of their kids, raising them and teaching them integral life lessons. But the role they play with their daughters is all that and more. To a daughter, their father is the person who shows them how men should treat them. They are their protectors and providers. And we all know that fathers have a soft spot for their daughters too. So much so that a new study has found that dads actually pay more attention to their daughters than their sons (1). But what does this mean and how can it affect your child’s future? If you’d like to know more, keep on reading!
The Study
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In this study, 52 fathers with children aged approximately 1 to 2 years, including both sons and daughters, were examined. Researchers observed the interactions between the fathers and their children while also conducting MRI scans of their brains. The results revealed that the gender of the child had a clear influence on the nature of the father-child relationship (2).
Spending Time With Dad
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The way fathers choose to spend time with their daughters differs in observable ways. Fathers of daughters tend to engage in activities like singing and whistling more frequently than with their sons, particularly during their infancy. Conversely, fathers of sons often partake in more vigorous and rough play, such as tumbling and playful poking. As a result, boys may become more popular among their peers. Fathers of daughters, on the other hand, tend to be more gentle and show interest in activities like pretend play or dress-up, providing a platform for them to bond and learn about each other through each interaction. If you’re a daughter, you may have experienced moments of patience when witnessing your dad sitting still as you applied nail polish to his fingers.
Father’s Response To Emotions
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Men with daughters may derive more joy from seeing their children happy than fathers with sons. This observation may seem peculiar or lacking consideration, but it could be because daughters, in general, are more expressive when it comes to facial expressions compared to sons. Girls tend to place an early emphasis on their emotions and find ways to convey their feelings at a young age. They are also often more open with their fathers when they feel safe and secure around them. So, if you’re feeling down, rest assured, your dad is likely attuned to it. This is why fathers with daughters tend to respond more positively to their children appearing happy.
The Way Dads Talk
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Gone are the days when fathers were seen as rigid and stoic figures that one must fear and not talk to. Fathers take immense pride in being warm and open with their children, aiming to create an environment where their kids feel at ease discussing any topic. They invest time in building trust and nurturing deep bonds to facilitate such conversations. However, this new study reveals that fathers employ distinct communication styles with their children. For instance, when conversing with their sons, fathers typically employ achievement-oriented language to help them address challenges, fostering analytical and level-headed problem-solving skills. In contrast, when interacting with their daughters, fathers often engage in discussions about emotions or their bodies, utilizing analytical language. While such communication can contribute to academic success, it may also play a role in promoting body dissatisfaction.
Attention From Dad
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And last but certainly not least is that fathers are more attentive and engaged with their daughters than their sons. They also tend to pay more attention to their girls when they express sadness or distress. You may have noticed how your dad might have brought home your favorite chocolate when you were going through a tough time with friends or didn’t want to leave your side when you were ill. Dads can’t stand it when their favorite girls are feeling low. This in turn can teach daughters empathy but may also be the reason why boys are closed off emotionally when they become adults as they don’t receive the same amount of care and attention as their female counterparts.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what gender your child is. Dads play an integral role in shaping who they are going to be as adults. So they must take responsibility and be attentive to their kids regardless of if it is a son or a daughter. But that being said, the dad and daughter bond will always be special and sacred. Wouldn’t you agree? Happy parenting!
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