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The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him (Psalm 103:13, NLT).
Great daddy-daughter relationships are essential for the self-esteem and emotional health of daughters.
Recent research has shown that the father’s influence on his daughter’s life shapes her self-image, confidence, and opinions of males. A girl’s relationship with her dad can determine her ability to trust, her need for approval, and her self-belief.
It can even affect her future romantic relationships, making a father’s role in his daughter’s life a long-term relationship.
Okay, self-confession — I didn’t write the above three paragraphs. They come from a blog by my friend Eli Williams from Urban Light Ministries. Thanks, Eli, for reducing my time on this blog so I could get out earlier for a wonderful fall weather bike ride.
But since I have a plagiaristic role today, let me continue by sharing Eli’s insights about five ways a strong bond with a father can significantly impact his daughter. I believe these five steps will also positively impact grandfathers and granddaughters.
1. Self-Esteem
A loving and supportive father can help a daughter develop a positive self-image and a sense of worth. His unconditional love reinforces her belief that she is worthy of love and acceptance.
Great words, Eli!
2. Trust
A father who sets and maintains healthy boundaries can teach his daughter the importance of respecting herself and others. This can help her develop a healthy sense of trust and avoid unhealthy relationships.
Amen, Eli!
3. Emotional Stability and Resilience
A father who models healthy conflict-resolution skills can teach his daughter how to manage disagreements and resolve problems constructively. This can help her develop emotional resilience and the ability to bounce back from setbacks.
Eli is a father, grandfather, and mentor to men. He and his wife Judy have served the Springfield, Ohio, area in ministry since the late 1980s and founded Urban Life Ministries in 1995.
4. Relationships with Others
A daughter’s experiences with her father can shape her expectations for male partners. If she has a positive and loving relationship with her father, she may be more likely to seek similar qualities in future partners.
Conversely, negative experiences with her father may lead her to have unrealistic or unhealthy expectations.
I have known Eli since the late 1980s and consider him to be one of the spiritual fathers of our community. I’m probably stretching our relationship a bit by not asking in advance if I can use his material in this blog.
But I know El will forgive me after my act of “creatively” borrowing his material!
5. Academic and Career Success
A father’s encouragement and support can positively impact a daughter’s educational. . .
Sorry! I’ve reached my 500-word limit. To read the rest of the article and to sign up for Eli’s blog, follow this link: https://urbanlight.org/daddy-daughter-relationship/
Thank you, Eli and Judy, for such amazing contributions to our community and the Kingdom of God — and also for forgiving me!