Fathers and Daughters: A little wisdom

Some tidbits of wisdom from a book my husband has about Fathers and daughters. It's called Father to Daughter, Life Lessons on Raising a Girl. By Harry H. Harrison Jr.







■Realize from the beginning that even at one week old, she's a girl. So she is going to be just as charming, just as mystifying as every other girl you know.


■Take part in her life now. Don't wait until she is 15 and develop a relationship.


■When you get home form work, hold her as much as possible. This is for your benefit as well as hers.


■Tell her from day one that she can accomplish anything.


■Make her part of your world - let her see you shave, work, read, relax. She'll love spending time with you, no matter what your doing. Enjoy it while it lasts.


■Emotionally , physically, and spiritually healthy girls are raised in a loving atmosphere. do al lyou can to create a tranquil and harmonious home.


■Be prepared to watch Disney movies with her some 200 times. Each.


■By her a jungle gym. however, if she falls off that jungle gym, resist the urge to kill yourself.


■The day she is born, ask God to guide you in all aspects of her life.


■Explain to her that God doesn't speak in code. She can figure out what He wants if she just stays in contact with him.


■Ask her every now and then about her spirtual life. If she asks what you mean, be prepared to have a discussion with her.


■Teach her that sometimes God has other plans.


■Praise her often. Let her know you love her the way she is. If you tell her often enough she might remember it throughout adolescence.


■Encourage her to be kind. Even to the girl nobody likes.


■Remember when you are dealing with a 13 year old girl, for all intents and purposes you are dealing with a fruitcake.


■Never undervalue her intelligence.


■Be prepared to hear her say she hates her mother. Be firm and insistent about the need for respect.


■Monitor her TV and movies. Or else she just might believe she should be sexually active, dangerously thin, experimenting with drugs, and hanging out with rock stars.


■Teach her if she acts stupid to attract boys, she will attract stupid boys.


■Remind yourself that the martians showing up at your door looking for your daughter actually have parents too.


■Never forget, your influence is huge. The way you lead your life has a direct impactupon how succesfullshe becomes in hers.