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There are no shortcuts to being a Certified Girl Dad. It involves intentionality, time and patience but you'll be rewarded with an unbreakable father/daughter bond that lasts a lifetime. Our guide for prospective and current Girl Dads is a great way to get an advantage when it comes to building a beautiful relationship with your daughter. If you enjoy this article, I'd highly recommend ordering Girl Dad.
What is a Girl Dad?
Just because you are a father and have a daughter, doesn't necessarily make you a Girl Dad. The owners of this prestigious title have put in the time and effort to be there for their daughter - both the big occasions and the everyday moments. They're intentional, open-minded, and present. Their daughters grow up knowing Dad has got their back and that bond carries on through adulthood.
Being a Girl Dad is about building your daughter up, encouraging her to reach heights she never knew existed. It’s about the big things and just as much about the small things. It’s about being brave enough to try even when you feel like you have no idea what you’re doing. You don't become a Girl Dad unless Girl Dad becomes your brand.
How to be a good Girl Dad?
The first step to becoming a Girl Dad is about as simple as it gets: brand yourself as a Girl Dad. When it comes to setting goals and changing habits in your life, one of the best pieces of advice is to start referring to yourself as whatever it is that you’re aiming to be. If you want to start getting up earlier and making the most of your mornings, start referring to yourself as a morning person. If you decide you want to write a book as a side project, call yourself an author. If you have a passion for taking photos and want to make a career out of it, label yourself as a photographer.
When you brand yourself with a certain title, or as a type of person, you effectively become that brand. You will be surprised at how quickly you start making decisions that fit into the wheelhouse of the brand you are working to identify as. Activity follows identity.
Once you begin to see yourself as a Girl Dad, you’ll find it easier to do Girl Dad things. They start to become automatic, like prioritizing time with your daughter. When you are faced with a decision like whether to continue working on a project at work or go to your daughter’s championship soccer game, you’ll think to yourself “I am pausing this work because I am a Girl Dad.”
Advice from Certified Girl Dads.
While there is no "one-size-fits-all" advice to becoming a Girl Dad, understanding the themes of what has worked for others can be very helpful. In general, building the ultimate bond with your daughter will require time, an open mind, thoughtfulness, and playfulness.
Want some specific, actionable advice? Take it from the Girl Dads themselves:
“It is easy to be distracted in this world. Be connected and enjoy each moment.”
“Your job is to listen. Listen more than you talk.”
“Find as much individual time with your daughter as possible.”
“Be present.”
“Pay attention to what motivates them at a young age.”
“Hug your daughter. Tell her you love her—any opportunity you can.”
“You won’t know everything. It’s okay. Learn as you go. It’s fun and so worth it.”
“Instill confidence at a young age.”
“Let your daughter know how smart and beautiful she is— inside and out. Reminder her that she has endless opportunities.”
“Remind your daughter that you are proud to be her dad.”