To all of the men with daughters:
The mere thought of your little girl having a “boyfriend” must make you crazy. It does me, and I am just her mother.
That little 6 lb 9 oz angelic princess you brought home 7 years ago, will probably have a “crush” within the next couple of years, and a boyfriend just a few years after that. That is terrifying.
The good news, though, is that you are able to show her all that she deserves from a man.
Relationships and marriages are hard, and that is a truth your daughter will learn one day. They are challenging for all people, including the kindhearted and well-intentioned.
The best (and probably the hardest) thing you can do for your daughter is to model for her how a woman should be treated.
YOU NEED TO LOVE YOUR WIFE AS YOU WANT YOUR DAUGHTER TO BE LOVED.
Your young daughter is impressionable, and unfortunately, she is going to learn from the movies, television shows, magazines, social media, and her friends, what love looks and sounds like — or so she’ll think.
More likely, however, is that what she will be “picking up” outside her home will be so far from “real” and “right” love.
You, and only you, can combat this — by treating her mother well and loving her mother hard.
It all starts at home — with you and your wife.
Today and all days, respect your wife.
Hold her hand at every chance you get and kiss her a lot.
Smile at her. Make eye contact. When she is talking, listen intently. Open doors for her. Build up her confidence. Praise her for her accomplishments.
Encourage her when she is in need of it. Empathize with her when she seeks support. Go on adventures with her. Tell her she is beautiful, inside and out, and tell her often.
It all starts at home — with you and your wife.
Today and all days, respect your wife.
Hold her hand at every chance you get and kiss her a lot.
Smile at her. Make eye contact. When she is talking, listen intently. Open doors for her. Build up her confidence. Praise her for her accomplishments.
Encourage her when she is in need of it. Empathize with her when she seeks support. Go on adventures with her. Tell her she is beautiful, inside and out, and tell her often.
This post comes from the TODAY Parenting Team community, where all members are welcome to post and discuss parenting solutions. Learn more and join us! Because we're all in this together.
