“How Dad approaches life will serve as an example for his daughter to build off of in her own life, even if she chooses a different view of the world,” -Michael Austin
The role of a father includes being a protector, provider, and role model. He is a demonstration of how a man should be present; of how a man should ‘show up’ for his family. Overarchingly, he gives his daughter hope.
He first gives her confidence in herself. From a simple pick me up call, to making her feel like she’s the princess of the world, he shows his daughter how to only expect the best out of herself and others. He teaches her how to embrace herself, flaws and all, by loving every aspect of her and reassuring her of his love through his actions. He makes the family a priority, and always sees her through glasses of innocence.
He teaches her all about love. He provides the blueprint of a loving household, by loving on her mother and siblings. He not only projects a special kind of love on her mother in the home, but he projects that same love onto her. He assures her that that the love that she will eventually ask for from a man will not be too much if he is for her. He does so in the way that he loves on her mother. He uses his relationship with his wife as an inspirational blueprint for how she should want and expect to be loved. He develops trust with his daughter; never letting her down and showing her how easy it can be to trust others.
The love that he surrounds her with projects as she matures and embraces relationship with others.
He protects her. He provides her with the safety that she requires as a woman. He teaches her how to stand up for herself, and to never back down. And, in some cases he teaches her physically how defend herself when problems arise. Not only does he physically protect her, but he also stands ‘ten toes’ behind her, regardless of her decision. He is sweet with her but stern, strong but still a teddy bear, and loving but still honest.
Fathers give you your firsts. He gives you your first flowers, first Valentine’s Day card, first hug and kiss from a man, first band aid when you get hurt, your first “you can’t date until your 16’ speech. This ‘firsts’ are paramount to a daughter’s development and provides her with the exposure that she needs to start her journey of understanding men. Without that, a daughter can feel lonely. She can feel confused about men, confused about her expectations of relationships, feel like she’s hard to love, and she can even feel inadequate.
A father’s relationship with his daughter is extremely important and there’s no relationship that can remotely compare to the life preparation that the father and daughter relationship provides.