I am blessed with three daughters and I adore them. I would move the earth for my girls, doing anything in my power for them, but I understand my limitations. There are some things I cannot do, and for those circumstances I am grateful for my husband to assist me on this parenting journey. I understand that sometimes family situations are less than perfect, and many times the father figure is not present in the home at no fault of the family. I believe that in these situations God offers grace to the mother and an extra measure of strength for her. I believe he blesses single mothers to do more than their fair share, but I also believe in the original family design. I believe the best family unit for children is to have both a mother and father figure present, and my hope in this post is to enlighten men to their much needed role in the family, and also to empower them to boldly lead their children.
Here are five reasons girls need their daddy.
1. To build self esteem. I can tell my daughters all day they are beautiful, and while they certainly do enjoy my compliments, it doesn’t compare to the way their eyes light up under the praise of their father. I believe daughters have something within them, like an empty cup, if you will, that is designed with the purpose of being filled by fatherly love. I think when any child, but especially a daughter, isn’t given the attention and recognition of their dad it leaves an empty place in their tender spirits.
What has led me to this conclusion? I suppose being a daughter myself. My biological father’s abandonment left a hollow place in me, and even thirty years later I deal with the remnants of rejection left behind. I truly believe fathers have the power to build their children’s self esteem in a mighty way. Conversely, they can also break it.
2. To be a spiritual umbrella. I do have traditional, Biblical views of the family, and as such I believe the man to be the head of the family. I think God places a husband/father as the head of the family and that this authority gives him a power to protect his family, plus the responsibility to lead them accordingly. As the wife and children submit to this authority they are afforded spiritual protection.
When I speak on submitting to authority I’m not speaking of abusive or demeaning relationships. I am speaking of mutual respect, a partnership between spouses, but a definite head of home held by the husband. I believe this to be Biblical and I think God honors when we model this instruction.
3. To know how they should be treated. The great thing about dads is they model for their daughters what to expect for their own future relationship. That’s right, fellas. Your daughter is watching how you treat their mom, and they will base their future expectations on the example you set. So if you disrespect your wife then be prepared for your daughter to marry a chauvinist who doesn’t deserve her.
But… you also have this wonderful opportunity to help ensure your daughter seeks a mate who will treat her like the princess you know her to be. Easy. Just treat Mom like a queen. What a fabulous calling fathers have!
4. To provide discipline. Just as daughters have a special place in their heart for daddy, so too is there a particular open mind to the discipline of a father. Again I think this is part of the divine design. Mothers and fathers each have special giftings, strengths, and weaknesses, and this is why the traditional family design is so significant. Mothers are often nurturers, while fathers are protectors. My daughters are more easily soothed by my touch, but they are more effectively disciplined by their father. Loving discipline is a great asset fathers can bring to the table. Now, if I had a dollar for everytime I said, “just wait until your father gets home!”
5. To know the Father Heart of God. I would have to say this is my favorite thing personally about fathers. After my biological dad left the good Lord saw fit to give me a second chance dad in the form of my adoptive father. I truly believe this was a special gift to me so that I could more fully understand the characteristics of a father and be able to apply them to my relationship with God.
So when fathers serve as a solid parental figure to their children they’re actually serving God’s kingdom and purposes! Their love for their children helps their children to have a stronger and closer relationship with the Lord. Now that is a lofty role indeed!
My hope for our future is that we can open our eyes to the responsibilities we have to raise happy, healthy kids. I pray that fathers will rise to the occasion, and that mothers will support and serve as necessary.
Karen Reed says
Great article so true
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you.
Buffi Marlar says
This is wonderful! By God’s mercy I was blessed with a precious childhood! I adore my Daddy, yes I treasure my Mama but I’m truly a Daddy’s girl and his Godly influence and Godly examples, I still today remember!
Sheila stevens says
Three beautiful girls and a beautiful stepdaughter . You and Ben us very blessed. Blessed with y’all love. #God blessing in Four girls ??❤️
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Yes indeed! I’m beyond blessed with four!