Much has been written and said about the mother-daughter relationship. Unfortunately, the popes who are present, supportive and involved don’t always get the recognition they deserve. It’s a shame because the father-daughter relationship isn’t just special. It plays a key role in the growth and development of the child. Loving fathers who praise, support and love their daughters unconditionally give them confidence and high self-esteem. Daughters with these traits grow up to be happy and successful adults.

Fathers are often called upon to be protectors, helpers, and rescuers. Sometimes it’s good. However, in order to raise daughters who are adventurous, able to solve their own problems, and able to take risks, good fathers must go against these instincts. Instead, they can focus on telling their daughters that they are capable of doing just about anything and empowering them to do it. At some point, most girls feel less than confident in their bodies. For some, this is a trifle. Unfortunately, for others, it can escalate. Girls with poor body image may isolate themselves in society, worry about how they look, and lose confidence in themselves. In extreme cases, they may develop depression, anxiety, or an eating disorder.

While dads aren’t the only people who influence how their daughters feel about their bodies, they do play a very important role. Not only do young girls perceive how their fathers tell them about how they look, they are also influenced by how their fathers talk about other people’s looks. Great fathers speak respectfully of how people look, regardless of their body type.

Daughters need good fathers. In fact, it would be almost impossible to overestimate the importance of the father-daughter relationship. Young women who have good relationships with their fathers achieve more academically. They make the best choice in a relationship. They have high self-esteem. They believe they can achieve their goals and understand the importance of working hard to achieve this.