Victoria’s Read

Every father and stepfather makes a huge difference in his daughter’s life, whether we realize it or not.

Dad is the first man his daughter knows. With that potent position of “first man” comes the ability to set the norm of manliness for her-a norm that ultimately can be stronger than what anyone else tells her. When we truly listen to our daughters, we help reduce the odds that our girls will be caught in a cultural straight-jacket that limits her options and behavior “just because she’s a girl.” We can fight the effects of the gender straight-jacket by never requiring or expecting our daughters to wear it when they are with us - and thus helping her feel a freedom she may not have elsewhere.

By visiting Dads & Daughters and reading this, you’ve already begun to do more than pay lip service to becoming the best possible father you can be. Many wonderful doors open when we explore why a father-daughter relationship matters so much, as you’ll discover as you continue to visit our site.

My goal is simple: that  you see your relationship with your daughter more clearly, appreciate your own importance in her life, start to listen to her with a sharper sense of hearing, and share your experience, strength, and hope with her and with other dads.

No girl’s life will be free of problems. Whether those problems are large or small, a father’s involvement is key. That fact should underlie everything we do as fathers of daughters. Fathers influence how daughters and stepdaughters see themselves. With a father’s positive words and support, a daughter can be safe and healthy, and can thrive no matter where life takes her.

A girl whose father listens to and respects her will expect her life partner to listen to her and treat her well. That’s why it’s so important for us to show and tell our daughters that we believe they are capable of anything! Fathering a daughter with love and respect ensures she will choose people and situations that nourish her long after she’s left our house. There’s no greater legacy for us to leave our daughters.

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