When I was working on some issues with my adopted children, we were having weekly in-home visits with a specialist. During a time when I was going through a particularly challenging moment, the therapist looked me in the eye and said, "You must have a wonderful father."
I stopped what I was saying and said, "Yes, I do. How did you know?"
She smiled and said, "Daughters' self esteem are created by their fathers."
That was a revelation. I'd never heard of that kind of power in a father. From that moment on, I watched fathers with their daughters. I reflected on my own relationship with my Dad. I watched my husband with our daughters. Every moment men spend with their daughters is precious and meaningful. Those moments either tear the girl down or build her up. How grateful I am for a father who spent his time building his daughters up.
If you'd like to read a book describing this important relationship, I recommend Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Meg Meeker, MD.
Thanks, Dad.
This morning when Madeline woke up and Cordell entered the room she shouted with glee "daddy!" she did this for about five minutes straight. I am so glad she loves her dad so much.
ReplyDeleteI grew up with just a step-dad. Our relationship was difficult because I knew he wasn't my father and my father wasn't/isn't part of my life. But now I'm over the teenage drama of not having a 'real' dad. I realized that, after all, my step-dad was always there even if he didn't know how to express that. I'm grateful to have him in my life :)
So glad we found each other. What books did you do with createspace?
ReplyDeleteTangled Hearts and Hidden in the Heart were both done through CreateSpace. I used Calibre for the ebook formatting. You can find both of them on Amazon and Barnes & Noble (Kindle and Nook). I already have the cover made for Change of Heart and am about halfway through that one. Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Makes me hope that I can be that kind of father to my daughters (if/when I have any). Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Perfect for Father's Day coming up. Now that you bring it up, if you look around, you can see that it's true. Nice. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an inspiring, thought-provoking post. How vital loving, interested fathers are! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences, and for your book recommendation. And thank you for following my blog!
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