How can I be a better father to my daughters?

Question

ages 2 and 5

Answer 1

Get to know them now so you will be able to communicate with them later in live. This is a good time to make your foundation with you daughters strong.

Answer 2

It is the most difficult but the best thing you can do as a father: don't let them get away with being spoiled. Teach them how to behave respectfully to those around them and themselves. Take them out for "boy" activities. Teach them how to throw a ball. Then have a tea party. Read to them. Teach them to read. Play with numbers so they'll be good at math. Tell them they're pretty when they're wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Tell them they're smart when they wear dresses and curls. Always let them know that they are strong. Scare monsters away. Then hug Cookie Monster. Then teach them how to scare monsters. Fly kites. Draw chalk pictures on the sidewalk. Make a big heart just for her. Blow bubbles. Eat the cookies she makes you even if they're a little burned. And always make sure that if you need to drop her off or pick her up for classes, parties, or anything, that you are on time. If you do all this, she will never forget her daddy.

Answer 3

You are your daughters' hero. They look to you for strength, wisdom, understanding, provider, and champion. Their relationship with you sets the stage for the type of man they will end up with later in life.
Time...time...time...time. Quality time.
There's something very special between a little girl and her daddy. Don't let anyone - not even yourself - harm them sexually. And if someone does, believe her when she tells you. Get involved in their lives. Know their friends, the people who's households they visit. Teach them how precious they are and should be respected.
Be open with them. Help them understand that they can talk to you about anything without fear of prejustice. And no matter what, you will always love them.
Love...love...love. Teach them they can be and do anything. Encourage their creativity, espound on their knowledge. Stimulate their minds by Introducing them to new sounds and sites. Limit their TV time, now. Go outside your comfort zone to show them the wonderful flavors of life - classical music, art, museums, zoos, community involvement, volunteering, libraries and bookstores that have storytelling, other cultures, nature, and all God's creations.
Be an example. Whatever you don't want them to try, don't do yourself. Children learn by example. Explain life to them without giving up your own skeletons.
Be a man of your word. Your word is your bond. They won't trust you if you don't keep your word. Let them know they can count on you for whatever. My parents had twelve, whatever they said they would do, they did, and vice versa. Don't be afraid to say you made a mistake or you're sorry.
Try not to show how shocked you are by some of the things they will tell, ask or want to talk about. Stay calm outwardly while going ash white internally. Answer their questions honestly in a way best for their ages when asked. If it's something you're not ready for them to know, tell them you'll have to answer that later.
Set boundaries. Remember, they're little angels now, but will grow up and will make mistakes and get into trouble at times. Keep standards and enforce them when necessary. Don't let those big eyes and sweet smiles totally fool you. Girls can be a handful. So, set rules and guidelines without too much drama.
BE INVOLVED...BE INVOLVED...BE INVOLVED in EVERY ASPECT OF THEIR LIVES.
Go to church with them. Help them develop a personal relationship with Christ and get an understanding about God. Read the bible to them while they're small and together as they get older. A family that prays together, stays together.
Lastly, never bad mouth or mistreat their mother in front of them no matter how angry you get. Keep arguments behind closed doors. If you're too upset to be rational, go for a walk or a drive to cool off. Then come back to the bargaining table with a clearer head. Your children are watching all this and more. Never take out your frustrations on your girls. Be constant in your relationship with them - emotionally, spiritually, and financially. Never neglect your responsibilities for them because momma made you mad.
They will always need you.
Pray for guidance.
You'll be fine.

Answer 4

Be with them, play with them. For me, I will take leaves to travel with them. I have 2 gals, and I always travel with only one at a time. So as to maximised the quality time together.

That is how we created our bond. Till today, we will still talk about those moments together. On the beach in Malaysia, on the mountain resort, by the streets in Bangkok, down shopping centre etc.

I am also strict with them. After 3 warning, I will cane. I always told them, 'daddy had said I will cane, and if I don't do, I am telling lie.'

However, after punishment, always let them know why. Never cane them when you are mad. You walk away.

I am proud as a father, for even now, they will still want to go out with daddy, and not just with mummy. Ha. . .

Answer 5

All the other answers are great, and I agree with the majority, however, I think the most important thing has been forgotten.... the best thing you can do for your children, is to love and respect their Mother. Also, I think living a life of example, is key. Teach them about God. Encourage them to be "giving" and to be grateful, for what they receive . You seem like a good father already, may God bless you and your little girls, and guide you.

Answer 6

the fact you are asking this question makes you a good father already.

from a person who is the daughter of a father all i really want is for him to think that im a really great person who is worth knowing and loving.

i think if i was going to give any advice i would tell you that the relationship you have with your daughters will possibly be the relationship she will seek out from her future partners/boyfriends.

so make it one based on respect so she seeks respect out in return.

Answer 7

Read to them every day. It will help them do better in school. STart a university fund for them now. And stop drinking, swearing and taking drugs. In some cases... They will mimic your behavior as they get older. The fact that you have asked this question...makes you a better father than 1 minute before you thought of it.

Answer 8

Be there for them... If their mom needs help buying diapers or paying for daycare HELP OUT! Even if it means getting a second job. Thats the sacrafices we make when we have kids! And most importantly LOVE them and dont badmouth the mom in front of them if you're not together.

You've made your first step... figuring out what to do... now do it! and i wish you the best. If only my daughters dad would do the same.

Answer 9

Play with them
Take genuine interest in their girly things
Don't forget to try out every thing that u might have done if they wee boys.
They'll love the double advantage
Time is all (& the best) that u can invest.
& make sure u can carry on giving them time & attention even into teenage...

Answer 10

I think just spending time with your daughters is important.

i am sure you are a good father if you are kind enought to ask a question like this.

Elaine