5 Things Girls Need From Their Dads

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These are 5 things that girls need from their dads, but might be afraid to ask for.

Last week I wrote about 5 things boys need from their moms, based on my experience with Branden, and I wanted to also share what I’ve observed that girls need from their dads.

It’s been a pretty amazing journey getting to watch Chris be the father to a little, spunky, rambunctious, tests his patience but dishes out so much love kind of girl. Having Branden just came natural to him because they’ve always has so much in common and Chris totally “gets” all the boy things that he’s into. And honestly, there have been moments where I’ve felt a little bit jealous of their relationship just because I share very little interest wise with them, so I’ve always been on the outside looking in. I’ve learned to embrace this though, and enjoy their special moments together.

On the flipside, Chris was nervous to father a little girl and didn’t really know what to expect. I actually remember a very distinct moment when I was pregnant with Blake and him telling me how anxious he was, but their bond has been strong since day one and incredible to watch get stronger and stronger over the years. Actually a couple of weeks ago when Chris got home after being away for three weeks of training, Blake literally cried happy tears, streaming down her face and all, whenever he stepped outside of the car. To say their bond is strong is an understatement.

5 Things Girls Need From Their Dads

Watching them every single day of my life, I’ve observed some things that I think girls really, really need from their fathers – but might not ever come outright and say. Dads set the tone for some of the most important relationships in their lives, after all.

1. They need to learn what positive attention is through their dad.

Girls love attention and will go about getting it however they can. I think that girls tend to look to their dads to know what is right and wrong in this area and what kind of attention they will accept from future partners. Dads need to be that role model and that person they turn to until they are able to make the best decisions they can on their own.

2. To let them make their own mistakes, but also be there to help pick up the pieces if things don’t work out.

Being the oldest of 4 kids, 3 of which are girls, I can say that all of us females needed to learn from our mistakes. My brother on the other hand, was just fine being told what not to do and respecting that. I see the same in our kids, too. Branden will listen to the rules, the big ones that matter at least, while Blake has to test her boundaries. Being home with her all day, and dealing with more testing of the boundaries than I’d like to, I’m a little bit more strict when the lesson is being learned. Chris on the other hand will be her shoulder to cry on whenever she gets into trouble.

3. Lots of hugs and kiss.

These heal everything. And without sounding sexist, just from experience, boys tend to not want as much of this from their parents, while girls crave it – especially from their dads.

4. Not to always give in.

This is something we’ve learned the hard way with Blake, but sometimes she needs a little tough love. And while yes, there is just something so special about moments where daddy treats them to something special, I think it’s also important that they don’t always give in. We all know how demanding girls can be, amiright?

5. To give them some freedom.

I’ve watched so many girls that I grew up with deal with really strict dads. So what did they do as soon as they could? They rebelled. Every single one of them. I think there needs do be some balance here, and I already can see it in Blake. She craves a little bit of freedom but only needs some.