With a rising self-awareness of gender roles and LGBTQ+ acceptance, it may seem hard navigating the ins and outs of parenthood, no matter your gender and your children’s gender. But when all is said and done, both parents play a pivotal role in showing their children what is and isn’t acceptable in the world and in their relationships.
Fathers vs. Mothers
Of course, people can always argue that any gender can teach their children how to thrive and build their confidence. And they are right! If someone has a missing father or mother at home, typically the present parent can help pick up the pieces and help their children see both sides of parenthood. A mother can teach self confidence just as a father can to their daughter. But sometimes having an opposite gender parent teaching you the ins and outs about life can help those children form a different perspective and viewpoint as well. And this can especially be true when talking about dating and sex.
Instilling Confidence
No matter what, having a present father is always ideal in any family life. Sometimes things don’t always happen the way we want them to, and there’s no shame in either being an absent father or struggling to teach your children without their father around. But a lot can be said for instilling and building confidence in your daughter, especially from father figures. This can help a girl of any age feel confident in social situations and love themselves better when their confidence levels are raised or solidified.
Healthy Relationships
Nothing is more important than building one’s confidence, but a very close second is understanding and seeing healthy relationships. For fathers, this is very crucial for young girls to see and build upon in whatever capacity you can provide. If you are not living at home, being able to visit as often as possible and maintaining cordial relationships with their mother is always ideal. Showing your daughter that everyone deserves respect and healthy boundaries is critical for them as they age and start dating. Not objectifying women and treating them with respect shows your daughter how they should be treated, whether it’s in friendships or relationships. The same goes for abuse or fighting, as your daughter will see these experiences as something “normal” in every relationship and may not build the proper tools for leaving abusive environments.
Being there for your daughter however you can will always help her gain the confidence she needs to be her authentic self!
Katie Kyzivat