Things Every Father Should Teach His Daughter

My mother was my principal all throughout grade school, and as a rule of thumb she told us that at school, she did not play the mommy role! Anything that was school related was taken care of by my dad.  The part that I hated the most about that was that any complaints or issues that I had, I couldn't go directly to her, although she was present. So when I needed someone to come to my rescue, daddy was always a phone call away!  I would have him show up at the school for any little thing (like losing a book), and I felt so confident and powerful knowing that my daddy had my back. There's comfort in knowing that whatever happens, I know he'll show up to defend me. It is important for fathers to teach their daughters to count on them in the little or the big things.  

My dad's loyalty to me has touched me so greatly, that now that I am older, I would drop anything and everything to run to his sides the minutes he needs me. 

I may or may not be a little dramatic when things go wrong. I panic, lose sleep, lose my appetite, get hot flashes (JK about this one), but you get the picture. My dad has always been the one to tell me that " YOU'RE GONNA BE OKAY".  Every time that I would panic about a butterfly (I seriously have a butterfly phobia, don't ask!) or I had a cut, or a headache, or failed a test, his answer was always " YOU'RE GONNA BE OKAY". I didn't realize how much it stuck with me until I found myself literally saying "I'll be alright" to myself when I face difficult situations. He has taught me resilience and  confidence early enough to know that whatever it may be, I'm gonna be Okay!

I have probably lost count on how many times my father has lectured me about relationships. He's always been more concerned about my friendships then the people I was dating ( I guess he trusted my choices in men, or perhaps he was in denial about me even dating ). Early on in life, he noticed how generous and giving I was with the people that I love, and probably smelled from miles away all the disappointments that were awaiting me. He always quoted provers 18 "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin" , which always makes me skeptical and particular about choosing whom I entertain relationships with. I've learned some tough lessons along the way, but I can't say that I wasn't warned!

The only person that managed to make me cry on my wedding day was my father. His entire speech was about the joys of having me around, and how much he enjoyed raising me. He spoke about my bright character, my bubbly personality, and went on and on about how much I meant to him. The more he spoke, the more I had vivid images in my mind of how much loved he has shown me throughout the years. My father compliments me on how I dress, he notices when I get my hair done, and loves my taste in perfume. I've always felt love and appreciated from the most important man in my life, there's really no way another man would ever be allowed to make me feel anything less. 

Contrary to what many believe, self worth isn't innate, but taught. Once parents realize that their children's self esteem begins with them, they will be much more aware of how they speak into their children's lives. It is important for fathers to teach their daughters their value, only then will they know their worth. Not only did my father show me how valuable I am by how much time, energy, love, and money he invested in me, but he also often told me that I should never allow anyone to treat me any less than he would. The comfort, ease, and love that I grew up with, made it hard for anyone to treat me less than I deserve. I consider myself an investment because a lot has been poured into me, to make me the woman that I am today. And as an asset, you just gonna know how much you're worth!