The Daddy Daughter Bond

There is something magical about the bond between a dad and his daughter. But something so great does not come easy. Forming a strong bond with your daughter might be one of the most difficult challenges in fatherhood. It can be an intimidating job. A dad has to create an unbreakable bond from scratch, not by building off of the mother's bond. This bond simply starts with quality time and instilling confidence in your daughter. From there it will blossom into whatever you collectively make it.

I’m lucky enough to have two daughters: two beautiful, smart, and funny girls who I love and adore with all of my being. They are both unique in their own way, so as a father I want to form a separate, unbreakable bond with each of them. Regardless of whom they become as teenagers and eventually as young adults, my goal is to be there for them and show them I am proud to be their dad.

9 ways to bond with your daughter

1. Compliment her
Tell her how amazing she is inside and out. Tell her she is beautiful and she has a kind heart. Praise the good things she does and also help her learn from her mistakes.

2. Take her on a date
One on one time allows you to connect with just her and it doesn’t really matter where you go. Let her lead the conversation. This allows her to open up more and that can strengthen your connection. Show her that chivalry is not dead. You are the first man in her life and it's your responsibility to show her how a man treats a woman. Personally, I want my daughters to have high expectations for whoever they decide to marry. Your behavior while she is young could prevent her from accepting attention from a guy, who doesn't give her the same respect, when she grows up.

3. Be Goofy
Kids like to act silly. Show them that you can be silly too. Take pictures together while making funny faces. Have dance parties in the living room or come up with a silly song to sing. Jump on the bed together and let her ride on your back like a pony. Before you know it you will have all sorts of inside jokes that no one else will even understand.

4. Let her help you / Teach her
Whether it’s bringing the groceries in, organizing the garage, or pumping gas into your car, if you let her help you then she will feel accomplished and appreciated. You can make it your job to teach her all the little things in life that she won’t learn in school. Giving her the tools to be more independent will only strengthen your bond. As she grows older she will look back and remember all the things you taught her.

5. Arts and Crafts
Does she like reading, painting, jewelry, or crafts? Write and illustrate a book together. Paint a picture. Make a necklace or bracelet. Teach her how to make paper airplanes or paper fortune tellers. Creativity can help build your bond as you work together on a project.

6. Find her interests interesting
Read her favorite book to her or cuddle with her while she watches her favorite cartoon. Does she like playing with dolls or play-doh? She'll love it when you play along with her. Have a tea party or play her favorite board game or video game. If she wants you to help her beat every world in Mario, then try to set aside time to do it (I can attest that this one will take a while).

7. Ask her questions
What is her favorite color or food? Simple questions like this help you get to know her more. Ask her what she wants for dinner one night during the week or what snacks she would like from the grocery store. This shows her how important she is and that she can help make family decisions too. Make plans for the weekend by asking her what she wants to do. And at the end of every day, whether it is at the dinner table or bed time, ask your daughter what the best and worst part of her day was.

8. Share memories
Tell them about your favorite childhood memories or what you were afraid of as a kid. Take turns telling different stories or reflect on things you've done as a family. You can even share your most embarrassing moments with her. Show her you can laugh at yourself and explain how you overcame it. Be open with your daughter and she will do the same. Show her that you care and appreciate what she says. You want your daughter to know that she can always come to you, even if she just needs a shoulder to cry on.

9. Love her
Show affection with hugs and kisses. Hug her when you leave for work and when you get home. Give her good night kisses.Tell her you love her to the moon and back one hundred million times. Protect her heart and tell her your number one job is to keep her safe.

What is your favorite way to bond with your daughter?