Times have changed and now more than ever, fathers are being encouraged to get involved in their children’s lives even before they are born. Workplaces have taken this into consideration and men now get paternity leave too. Changing the diapers, bathing the little bundle of joy and feeding them is no longer just the mother’s role.
A lot is always said about deadbeat dads more than about those who are fully present and committed. Sometimes, these fathers don’t get the high praise when their influence in the family and in this particular case, on their daughters is significant to their development.
Here are five reasons why fathers are super important in the lives of their daughters.
1. Encourage Risk Taking
A majority of girls tend to be risk-averse. On the contrary, men are expected to be risk-takers and this is a trait they embody when they become fathers. They’ll nudge their daughters to do something that looks risky as opposed to completely throwing that safety net on them.
On the playing ground when she falls, dad will most likely encourage her to get back on her feet and continue playing and he’ll cheer her because of the mental fortitude she’s shown.
Now this should not be mistaken for carelessness or roughness. Yes, fathers are supposed to protect, solve the problem and do all that but they also want to have daughters who’ll be able to stand up for themselves and be strong.
2. Set Relationship Expectations.
A father is the first man a girl has in her life. The way he treats her will most likely shape the way she views her future relationships with other men. The way the dad treats his wife in the home will also set the tone of what she expects in a romantic relationship.
Have you heard that women or people generally tend to look for partners who feel familiar? Yes. And sadly we see this in the most extreme of situations which is why it can’t be said enough that this is why girls need their fathers.
3. Positive Reinforcement.
Hearing encouragement and not just showing it with actions is important. Your dad needs to tell you things like “I’m proud of you”, “you are beautiful” and “you can do it”. This gives her confidence that she can’t get from anyone else or anything else.
A father’s affirmation is one of those powerful things that remind you of your importance and value. It shows you that you can always depend on him and talk to him whenever she needs him.
4. Provide Stability.
More often than not, stability will be measured in terms of how well the man provides for his family financially. This is nice, in fact necessary. However, girls need more than this from their fathers. Emotional and spiritual support is important.
A dependable father who is emotionally available guarantees his daughter a safe place to express herself because she knows she is going to be listened to. The man will provide her with the guidance needed to make good decisions.
This kind of support shields her from being erratic and feeling emotionally lost which may make her become needy and look for love from people who might not even have her best intentions at heart.
5. Better Life Outcomes.
The importance of a father-daughter bond cannot be understated. Now more than ever, it is being encouraged because it has enormous outcomes.
Fulfilling intimate relationships because they had a good foundation of what to expect from a male-female dynamic. Have better academic performance and career prospects attributed to the encouragement they received which makes them become assertive and self-reliant. Such girls are less bothered about their body image as a result of better mental and emotional health support.
