Compliments from my father were a rarity. He was a straightforward New Englander, known for his sharp words and unwavering honesty. While I understood he was proud of my accomplishments, he seldom voiced those feelings unless I achieved something extraordinary. Even though his sparse praise often felt disheartening, my desire to earn his recognition remained strong.
When my daughter arrived, weighing just 5 pounds, I was determined to instill in her a sense of strength that didn’t depend on external validation. I envisioned a home where we celebrated her unique abilities and encouraged her independence from the very start. I didn’t want her to be showered with empty compliments about her appearance; instead, I aspired for her to know from the moment she entered the world that she is fierce and capable of making a difference.
I shared this vision with my husband, recognizing that our parenting styles would complement each other. I could guide her on confronting societal norms and advocating for herself, but I also believed it was essential for her to have a father who exemplified strength and kindness. I wanted him to shower her with genuine compliments, fostering her self-esteem without her having to seek them out.
My husband has been an incredible ally in this endeavor, and witnessing him nurture her inner strength has deepened my love for him. As I watch our daughter blossom into a thoughtful and confident 11-year-old, I realize now more than ever that she needs affirmation of her power. In a challenging political landscape, I take pride in knowing she is surrounded by women who are voicing their rights and advocating for equal treatment. She is supported by a vast network of strong women, both personally and globally, which is truly remarkable.
But equally important are the men in her life who actively demonstrate their support for strong women. We need more men to stand up for our daughters. We need those who, after a long day, still make it to her basketball games and coach her team, teaching her resilience and teamwork. We need the uncles who engage with their nieces, kneeling down to listen as they share their school experiences.
We require teachers who challenge gender stereotypes, ensuring that girls excel in subjects like math and science. We need healthcare providers who advocate for women’s rights and deliver the quality care every girl deserves. And then there are the unexpected heroes, like the man who, in a bustling restaurant, defended my daughter when she faced discouragement from a family member. He walked over, addressed the negativity, and told her she could achieve anything she set her mind to. When my daughter recounted this encounter, her eyes sparkled with disbelief and pride. “He doesn’t even know me! And he believes in me,” she said.
This man, whose name I will never know, left a profound impact on my daughter’s life. I wish I could express my gratitude to him in person, but I recognize that he made my role as a parent a bit easier. His actions exemplify the supportive presence we need in our daughters’ lives, and I hope that if our paths cross again, I can treat him to a meal as a small token of my appreciation.
In a world where support and empowerment are paramount, let’s celebrate the men who uplift our daughters, making it clear that they can break barriers and achieve their dreams.
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Summary:
This article reflects on the importance of supportive male figures in empowering young girls. It shares a personal story of how a father can positively influence his daughter’s self-worth and strength, highlighting the need for more men to advocate for and uplift girls in various settings.