Courtesy of phinos of Athens via Creative Commons license.
This post is for all fathers of little girls. Nothing in the world is as precious nor as fragile as your daughter’s love. A strong father figure helps create a strong, independent young woman. Being Daddy to your little girl is so much more than a genetic link. It is the influence and the impression that you shape in her little mind.
There is no mistaking that my daughter is her mother’s little girl. They do everything together and get along perfectly. But my role in Ashley’s life is no less important. She is “halfway grown” at age nine. As I write this post, I realize that I need to do better with each of these during the second half of her childhood. Daddy, see if you find yourself below.
You are her image of love and romance. Give her physical affection through hugs and kisses. Dance with her and sing to her. Shower your wife with romantic love so that she learns what that should look like.
You shape her self-esteem. Tell her that she’s beautiful. Let her know that you are proud of her. Be at the events that she will remember. Make her believe she can be anything she wants to be.
You are her image of strength. Set boundaries and give your daughter discipline when she needs it. Do little things like kill the bugs, open the jars, and fix what’s broken.
You are her image of adventure. Take your daughter with you on your “guy” outings. Teach her how to bait a hook or hit a softball. Play pretend with her. Slay the imaginary dragons that she introduces to you.
You are her image of leadership. Make decisions in your home. Be a servant leader. Take your rightful position as head of your household.
You are her protector and defender. Step between your daughter and danger. Stand up for her. Let her hear you tell the boys that you expect them to treat her right. When they don’t, take care of business.
You are her example for religion. Pray with her and pray over her. Read the Bible to her. Take her to church.
You are her hero.
She will make you proud. She will drive you crazy. She will yell and scream at you. She will beg you to give her what she wants. She will ask you to swing her over and over and over. She will climb on your back. She will be embarrassed by you. She will twist you around her little finger. She will frustrate you to no end. She will ask you to dance with her when she is little, and again on her wedding day. She will bear grandkids for you. She will take care of you in your old age. She will be proud of you and miss you when you are gone.
Daughters are like that. To Dad, I say don’t miss a minute of it. Pour as much of yourself into this role as you have. This is not the time to be guarded, reserved, or to hold back.
Application Question – If you were gone tomorrow, what legacy have you created for your daughter? How would she describe you?
