Creative Child June 2022 | Page 21

3 . Support her endeavors – be there .
Dance recital ? She ’ ll be looking for you in the crowd . Soccer game ? She ’ ll play better with Daddy rooting her on . Taking up a hobby / job / relationship you don ’ t agree with ? Hear her out , support her efforts , give her advice should she need it .
Never tear her down . Never respond to her failures with an , “ I told you so .”
That ’ s not your job . Your job is to remind your daughter , every step of the way and through every phase of her life , that you support her , you ’ ll be there , and it won ’ t ever be a question .
2 . Let her cry .
Women are emotional beings . Young girls are especially emotional and men often have a hard time with tears . Please , if there is nothing else you can do for your daughter – let her express her feelings . Let her own her emotions . Hear her out , talk her through it , and make sure your shoulder is always ready for her tears .
Don ’ t ever tell her to “ stop crying and get over it .” You cannot understand the emotional toll this can take on someone – it leaves a girl feeling misunderstood and irrational .
1 . Love her mother .
Regardless of your situation – love her mother to the point of your daughter saying , “ Ew , Dad , you ’ re gross .” Respect her mother ’ s opinions , respect the fact that this woman gave you your daughter . Your daughter will learn from your relationship with her mother EXACTLY what she ’ ll tolerate in relationships of her own .

Don ’ t provide her with a model for disrespect and heartbreak – you ’ ll end up hurting along with her . Love her mother , and love her hard . And remember … “ Behind every great daughter is a truly amazing dad .”•

20