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| Father-Daughter
Relationship: Be Her Role Model and
Mentor Uzma Mazhar © 2001 Fathers can make such a difference in their
daughters' lives. But often, girls are overlooked as fathers develop
special bonds with their sons. Fathers are the first male that a girl
knows, and the relationship with him sets the tone for all male-female
relationships she will have in the future. Fathers are role models for
their daughters. If you were raised in an atmosphere where
the roles for men and women were different, some of those stereotypes will
still prevail. It can be difficult to break free from old habits and
social norms, even when you know it's the best thing for your child.
It is hard work but it is entirely possible. What you show your children is as important
as many of the lessons they learn at school. If they grow up with gender
biased role models in the home that is what they will create when they
grow up and start their own families.
If they grow up seeing both parents being respectful of each other,
and the children, that is what they will create for their family. Seeing a father cook, clean and help around
the house will have a greater impact on the daughter than just telling her
that mom’s ‘jobs’ are just as important as dad’s job.
Actions speak louder than words. Teaching her to fix the car can be
just as valuable as teaching her how to cook. Make time to talk to your daughter.
Get to know her, find out how she thinks and feels about
everything. Let her know that
you care. Spend time with her
regularly. Get involved in
her activities. Share your
interests and hobbies with her. Show
her that spending time with her is important to you.
Involve her in the decision-making process. Your relationship with your daughter
teaches her what value she has as a person; her identity and self-worth
develops from how you interact with her.
When you neglect her, she learns to neglect herself. If you abuse her she will learn to take abuse or become
abusive. If you respect her
she will learn to respect herself and others. The way you relate
with her will determine how she will relate with others, and what kind of
family life she will create for herself in the future. Seemingly unimportant chores are extremely
valuable in teaching children the basic lessons of sharing, compromising,
co-operating, respect and responsibility. Your
attitude toward everything you do is a loud and clear message to your
children. Sometimes she can do things that she may think are boring, and
sometimes you will do things that you are not interested in. Children need the presence of both parents; they need the active involvement of both parents in their everyday life. A mother cannot fill the role of the father in the same way that a father can. Nor can a father be a mother for his children. Along with the serious responsibility of
being your child's first and most influential role model, parents should
also make time to have fun with their children. Children also love to do
things with their parents that involve play. Kids will have a lot more fun
and take ownership of your special time together if they help decide what
activities to engage in. Know that you are shaping your daughter’s future by how you relate with her.
Contact Info: Uzma Mazhar UzmaMazhar@hotmail.com |