Some people say there should be no difference in the way a father raises, or interacts with his children. Studies and observations by behavioral scientists point unerringly to the conclusion that gender does make a difference to the character of the parent-offspring relationship. It is an affected fact that daughters grow up with a special regard for their fathers and fathers reserve a special love for their daughters. It may be the reflection of the vestigial primate instinct of the dominant male, automatically assuming the role of the protector, for all we know.
But a father’s duty towards a daughter does not end with being a protector and a good provider. The trophy for ‘the best daddy in the world’ does not go to the man who always says ‘yes’ to his daughter perpetually, rather it will reach the father who has had the courage and moral strength to take up the putty and mould it into shining specimen of womanhood, complete in herself and successful in her chosen field.
The real value of a father in a girl’s life is barely tangible but is undeniably far reaching. A father’s best gift to his daughter is the underscore of support, allowing her to realize confidence in her feminity and also the ability to identify and develop the many facets of her to the full potential. Fathers, who involve themselves in every stage of a daughter’s life, will find it an enriching and fulfilling experience. But he is required to show the best qualities in order to make her life a grand success. So here we discuss the role of father in the three important stages of his daughter’s life:
The first stage: Though in the early stage of every child, mother is the center of the universe, but the relationship a daughter shares with the male parent is no less important for her overall development. Hence, the father should involve himself in his daughter’s life right from her babyhood. Fathers can easily deal with their sons, because they were once boys themselves and sons are like a continuation of themselves. But daughters are a different matter altogether. Little girls consider their father a larger than life hero who knows everything and can do anything.
Most fathers are at loss when it comes to playing with their little daughters. Their interests are vastly different. But though it may feel ridiculous to play a teddy bear tea party game, an effort once a while will surely register well with the little girl. She only needs to know that her father respects her enough not to dismiss her games as silly. In addition, a father should not hesitate to introduce the daughter to the games he himself played when he was a little boy, the idea behind this whole thing is to share your good memories with your daughter, in fact when you share these things she feel great. At all times, the father should avoid pushing the girl into gender stereotypes.
In this stage, the adventurous phase also comes. During this phase the girl learns by trial and error, what is allowed or not allowed and what is wrong or right. She frequently make mistakes and invites adverse reaction from elders. The father should desist from flying to rescue of his teary faced darling whenever mother is ticking her off for something. But at this point, fathers should be careful while dealing with his daughter, if the father has to have a difference of opinion or an argument with the mother regarding the episode, he would do well not to let the daughter see or hear it. It is not wise to make the girl feel that her father is taking her side against the mother. This leads to an unhealthy attitude. So it is essential for the father should treat his little daughter, gently and firmly, and wean her away from the habit of carries tales about her mother or the sibling.