I saw a video that powerfully illustrates the incredible influence that fathers have in the lives of their daughters. It captured a dad in his living room, watching a basketball game. He jumped and yelled in support of his favorite team.
Right beside him, his three-year-old daughter copied his every move. She jumped when he jumped. She clapped when he clapped. She even copied his expressions of excitement.
Then the mood changed. The dad started shouting at the television. He complained about a blown call. He bent over and grabbed his hair in frustration. So did his daughter. She followed right along, reenacting his every movement and emotional outburst.
Dad, your daughter is watching you.
Her beliefs about the world are developed in large part by observing your character. She’s watching the way you treat her mother. Your integrity – or lack of it – is impacting her ability to trust other people. For better or for worse, everything you do is shaping her image of herself, of God, and of the world around her.
You are your daughter’s doorway to God because you’re her first introduction to masculinity. Mom can’t introduce her to manhood. That’s up to you.
From the time she’s born, you set a template for what she should expect from men – how they listen, how they talk, how they express affection, how trustworthy they are.
How can dads be present and connect with their children in a meaningful way?
We’re talking with Dr. Meg Meeker on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Helping Your Daughter Become a Confident Woman.” Tune in on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, via Google Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.
Dr. Meeker offers hope and encouragement to dads and challenges them to be the godly influence in their daughters’ lives the Lord calls them to be.
We’re talking with Dr. Meeker about her book, Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know. I’d like to offer you a copy of the book and a CD of the program for a gift of any amount. Give us a call at 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459) or check our website for details. If you can’t afford it, we’ll find a way to get it to you. Thank you for your support.
Dr. Meg Meeker is a pediatrician who’s been in practice for over 30 years. She’s a leading authority on teenagers and children’s health.
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