Fathers play a very important role in the life of their daughters.
By Ruth Ramsey, Publisher
Our Health Matters
I accompanied Calvin, who is a “girl dad” and my nephew, to the park with his daughter, Tatyana. She wanted to play on everything. He was quick to remind her that she isn’t big enough to safely experience all the playground equipment. This was a perfect example of how dads can offer early life lessons. I asked Calvin to share his thoughts with us.
The phrase ‘girl dad’ was popularized by NBA star Kobe Bryant in honor of his four daughters. It is a phrase used to refer to dads who have daughters and is often used to capture the love between fathers and their daughters.
It is important for dads to start and continue establishing a healthy relationship with their daughters from birth and throughout their daughters’ lives.
HAPPY FATHERS DAY DADS!
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR DAUGHTER? I like seeing her smile and experiencing new things. My wife, Alicia and I recently bought her a tricycle. She loves it. It makes her feel like a big girl.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES AS SHE GROWS UP? My hope for Tatyana is that she will put God first in her life and that she grows up to be strong, virtuous, successful, hopeful, humble, full of faith, full of knowledge, wisdom and understanding. That she will be independent and have a mindset of not giving up when things seem hard; also understanding who she is and not letting anybody knock her off her game.
WHAT VALUES ARE YOU TEACHING HER? First, I’m trying to lead by example so she can see it and know it can be done. Some of the values I’m teaching her are gratitude, love, communication, confidence, integrity, modesty, kindness, faith, humility and having a relationship with God.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER GIRL DADS? I would tell them, “Love your daughters unconditionally and encourage them to live a full and abundant life. As she gets older, show her how a woman should be treated (In a good way); be mindful of what you say and do around your daughters. Last thing, tell your daughter she is wonderfully and beautifully made and destined for great things!”
