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Everyone talks about the relationship between a mother and daughter, but another extraordinary and unique relationship is between a father and daughter. A daughter is a father’s most priced gift, and he cherishes her and loves her beyond words. From the time she is a little girl, he takes care of her, protects her, and teaches her to be strong. A father sets a precedent for her future relationships and teaches her the meaning of love and respect based on how he treats his wife. They become best friends as they grow up.
When daughters grow up into women, they will probably meet a man and fall in love. But inevitably, she is bound to compare him to her father. Therefore, a father plays a significant role in a daughter’s life from when she is a little girl to when she becomes an adult and embraces womanhood. With such an important role to play, daughters look up to their fathers all their lives. It is up to dads to be the best version of themselves for their daughters. Here are 5 things every daughter needs from her father so they can build a strong relationship:
1. Be Present In Her Life
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A father needs to be involved in his daughter’s life. Just like a mother stands by her side throughout her childhood, adolescence, and adult life, a father should too. As a father, you can share your hobby with your daughter and teach her a thing or two about your interests. Whether that includes carpentry, fixing a car, or collecting stamps, your daughter is going to appreciate you involving her in your interests. It helps to show that you are interested in her life too.
2. Set The Right Example Of Marriage
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While it might seem tricky to fulfill this one, it is a crucial one. Your daughter is going to learn from your marriage and the way you treat her mother. How involved you are in the daily chores, how much you take responsibility for tasks around the house, and how much you contribute to your family’s emotional needs are things she will pick up right from a very young age.
3. Be Her Confidante, Earn Her Trust
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When your daughter confides in you about things that bother her, try not to react like a “father” but listen to her and provide her the support she needs, like a friend would do. She is most likely to open up to you when you lend her an ear without being judgemental. As much you want to protect her, trust that she can take care of herself and will come to you for help if and when she needs it.
4. Be Her Role Model
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A growing child might look up to many people in her lifetime, but her father will be the one she looks up to the most. A father is the first male figure in a daughter’s life. Therefore, it is vital that you set the bar high, so she is selective about the men she chooses in her life. You are her role model, and while those shoes might be difficult to fill at all times when you do your best, she will acknowledge and appreciate it. It is okay to make mistakes because everyone is human. But what matters most is how you handle those situations with dignity and respect.
5. Do Not Shy Away From Expressing Yourself
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Men are often expected not to express themselves or show how they feel. But this is damaging and quite horrifying for men, women, and children. As a dad, do not be afraid to express yourself to your daughter. Be brave enough to change the narrative that men should not cry. Teach your daughter that it’s human nature to feel, express, and do not be ashamed to do so with her.
Being a father is a huge responsibility. It takes courage, discipline, and dedication to be the perfect father that your daughter sees you for. But you are bound to find a friend for life who you can be silly with when you build a strong bond with your daughter. What is your favorite thing to do with your daughter? Comment below and let us know.
