How to Raise Independent Daughters

Men and feelings? Yea right – real men don’t show feelings and emotions. Suck it up dude…be the rock. If you show emotions your weak bro. Well at least that is what a lot of men think is the proper way to me a man. That may fly if you’re a 20 year old buck trying to impress the ladies, but if you have a daughter, you better start thinking differently and fast. We all have feelings guys and we all have emotions, not just women. By the way, feeling emotions and expressing them doesn’t make you a “woman” or a “homosexual” and people will not view you that way, due to most men’s popular belief. This is not the year 1956. A lot has changed since then – especially dad’s raising daughters.

One father talking about raising daughters says…”My reassessment came early, when my eldest daughter hit me with my first “daddy.” My entire identity was undone. Every one of my “hit like a girl” comments, came right back at me. It’s taken me a long time to shed some of that toxicity, and yes, I still struggle. So, after 21 years of parenting, 18 of which with daughters, these are just a few lessons they’ve taught me.”

• Emotions are not the new Gluten

Guys, no matter what society tells us, we are able to feel emotions. You’re going to feel stuff and it’s not all going to be monster trucks and beer. Chances are, you’re not going to know what to do about these new feelings that you’re starting to let in. It’s even ok to cry, often, and for many reasons. Let your daughters see you cry. Your child is not your crutch, but they can be emotionally supportive.

• Don’t be a Knight, but help her find her armor

Watching our children struggle is one of the hardest things we will ever have to do. When your raising a girl your will have that “man” instinct to rush in and save the day. Daddy to the rescue is commendable and our first reaction…”the old damsel in distress.” Although it is effective, it teaches our young girls to be rescued and unfortunately they will not always be rescued. You want to teach them independent problem solving, freethinking, empathetic skills that teach them to protect and save themselves.

• Wash a dish and learn to cook

Many men grew up relating the word domestic with “women’s work.” Those days are gone guys. We don’t want our girls growing up thinking they are going to be someone’s maid and personal chef do we? I certainly don’t want my little girl taking dinner orders from some guy someday. Get in there and cook with your little girl. Show her men are born with a malfunction that doesn’t allow then to cook and clean. It is so good for them to see you jumping in there and being domestic as well. Also it’s fun to get in there and be goofy while you’re teaching.

Read these and so much more at Motto Words to Live By – CLICK HERE!