Fathers play an important role in the lives of their daughters. Although many fathers might feel a bit intimidated by the idea of spending quality parenting time with their daughters (after all what have they got in common with them when sport is not on the agenda?). However research has shown that the protection, guidance, supporting hand and unconditional love from a male role model are key factors in protecting little girls as they grow up.

Research has shown that young girls who have a good relationship with their fathers are far less likely to seek out risky sexual relationships at an early age.

A recent study by researchers at the University of Arizona Impact of Fathers on Risky Sexual Behaviour in Daughters: A Genetically and Environmentally Controlled Sibling Study, found out just how important it is to form these bonds between a father and daughter early on in life.

“When it comes to girls and their decisions about sex, it turns out a father’s influence really does matter,” says Bruce J. Ellis, the study’s lead author and the John and Doris Norton Endowed Chair in Fathers, Parenting, and Families at the UA Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences.

“Girls who receive lower quality fathering tend to engage in more risky sexual behaviour in adolescence. We know that poor fathering and daughters’ risky sexual behaviour go together, but we haven’t known why and haven’t known how. Our study was meant to figure out that issue,” he said.

Top tips on how to create a loving and secure relationship with his daughter?

Start on Her Birthday: Get involved from the day she is born by being a hands on dad. The more time you spend with her earlier, the easier it will be to continue building the relationship later.

Listen Lots: Girls love to talk. Dads need to learn to listen. Take the time to find out what she is thinking, dreaming and wishing in her life. And most of all, keep confidences. When she shares something with you that is private and bares her soul, don’t repeat the story. She needs to know that she can trust you.

Make Time For her and for Fun: Do things together that are fun and entertaining. Take her swimming, bush walking, the library or just hang out at home watching her favourite movie. These are memories she will cherish for the rest of her life.

Tell Her She’s Beautiful: Today’s culture and the media often give young girls the message that they need to be the right weight, wear the right makeup, dress stylishly and sometimes immodestly to be beautiful. When you tell your daughter she is beautiful, emphasize the importance of being beautiful inside – more than skin-deep. Compliment her when her eyes sparkle or when she breaks into a big smile.

Write Notes and Letters: Her birthday is a good opportunity to write a card to your daughter expressing your feelings, letting her know how you feel about her and how proud you are of her. This is a good way to showing her that you love her.

Be a Great Example of Manhood: The way your daughter sees you treat women makes a big difference in how she will see men later in her life. Be on your best behavior with her, her mother and other female friends and relatives. Simple courtesy and kindness will go a long way in helping her know what to expect of men in her later life.

Girls who have secure and loving relationships with their fathers:

  • Have better grades in school
  • Feel better about themselves
  • Are more assertive without being aggressive
  • Feel more confident in relationships with men in general
  • Are more likely to go onto higher education

For more ideas and help on how dads can spent quality time with their daughters go to Dads Club.  

Writer Helen Splarn. Editor Dr Ramesh Manocha.
Source: Medical Express. Dads Club