Being a parent is wonderful. But being a girl dad entails a certain responsibility. The term was popularized by the late NBA star Kobe Bryant, who was a proud girl dad to four girls. By definition, a girl dad is a gentleman who treats his daughter the way she deserves to be treated.
This Valentine’s Day, a girl dad decided to share with us what it’s like to raise a daughter, and how different it is from raising a son. He also shares how he wants his daughter to remember him, and what he wants her to remember as she grows up to become her own individual.
1. They say when you have a daughter, the stakes change. Is this true?
Yes, this is true because now you have a little girl who looks up to you. You’re no longer just thinking for yourself – you’re motivated to do well because you know it’s going to affect her. As she grows up, you’ll be showing her how you believe the world should treat her – ultimately, that will also teach her how she should treat herself, and that’s with respect, dignity, and love.
2. What is something you do differently when raising your daughter than with your son?
In nature, girls are more gentle than boys growing up and this means you need to be more careful with them as they’re prone to be more sensitive. In a world where social media is glaring and with so many different opinions about things, it’s easy for a child to get lost in all the noise. I believe it’s important to be there for her and guide her on how to become a good person, something that her mama and I work on every day by setting a good example. I’d like to hold her hand as she explores all the possibilities, and give her all the wisdom, knowledge, and time I could give.
3. Children learn from example. What’s something you’d like to constantly show your daughter as she grows up and how will you do that?
I believe in hardwork, and how it gets you to where you want to be. I’d like to show her that by example. I’d also like to show her that it’s possible to achieve anything she sets her heart to. Personally, I was able to achieve my dream career against all odds, and I think that sets an example for her and the rest of my kids “na walang imposible,” and that for as long as you can, do everything you can to achieve your dreams.
I also believe it’s important to set a good example to my daughter in terms of values. I will teach her to respect everyone she meets, to be kind, compassionate, and generous. These are traits that I know will help her as she grows older, and as early as now that she’s just a baby, I’d like for her to start learning about them through experience.
4. What do you think makes a good girl dad?
To me, being a good girl dad is showing her how a good man should be. It’s showing her how well she should be treated, and sets the standard on how she’d want her future husband to be.
5. A daughter’s first love is their dad. What’s one thing you’d like to tell her, and one day you hope she remembers until she grows older?
Aside from everything I hope to teach her, if there’s one thing I want her to remember, it’s got to be how much I love her. I want her to remember how much I love her, and that whatever happens, I will be there for her until the day I die.
Valentine’s Day isn’t only for couples – it’s a day to celebrate all forms of love! A dad’s love for his daughter is a special kind of love that deserves to be highlighted on this special day. Happy Valentine’s Day to all the #girldads and their precious daughters!
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