Dads, your Daughters Need You

Dads, your daughters need you. Here are some practical ways to fulfill your important role as a father to the girls in your home.

They need you to . . .

Explain the gospel to them.
Teach them the Christ-life.
Read the Word with them.
Pray with them as opportunities and needs arise throughout the day.
Show them how a godly gentleman should treat them so they know how to biblically relate to men as they grow older, and Lord willing, are married. (Dads, they will learn much from watching they way you treat your wife, your daughter’s mom.)
Make them feel secure in your love and acceptance by spending time with them, asking questions about their day, their friends, their likes and dislikes. This goes a long way in helping them to establish healthy relationships as they grow up and begin to date.
Take them on dates from an early age such as going to Dunkin for breakfast or CFA for lunch. You could go hiking, attend a concert or a ballgame or a NASCAR race, play a board game, or drive through the car wash with Gold City singing “In Time, On Time, Every Time,” or whatever is of interest to you and your daughter.
Worship with them on Sundays as you lead your whole family in singing, giving, listening, and serving.
Teach them how to ride a bike and drive a car.
Encourage them and cheer them on.
Tell them “dad jokes” and have fun with them.
Love their mom.
Be willing to admit when you are wrong and offer forgiveness when necessary.
Not take yourself too seriously.
Adjust to each season of their lives, not put them down or make fun of them all the time.
Be a humble, servant leader.

Dads, if you are a born-again believer in Christ, your Heavenly Father is a great example of what you need to be to your daughter. May I encourage you to soak your soul in Psalm 103 and see the character of our Heavenly Father? Make application to your role as a dad. For instance, The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him (Psalm 103:8, 13).

Dads, your daughter needs you!