Hey True Girl Dads!
It's about time we offered some tips to you! We imagine you have just a few questions about your tween daughter, like “Is she really from another planet?” In this blog series, Bob Gresh, author of 8 Great Dates for Dads and Daughters will answer some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from Dads.
How can I affirm my daughter’s beauty and worth?
Well, she may still be young, but she certainly is not clueless when it comes to beauty! Maybe she’s influenced by how her mom talks about her body, maybe the media or her friends at school – one thing is sure, she’s hearing what makes someone “beautiful” in the eyes of the world. During her tween years it is especially important that you as a father communicate with her regarding worth, value and beauty.
She needs to hear your voice. Goodness knows she’s hearing plenty of others. Tell her she’s beautiful. Point out specifics of her natural beauty like, “Your eyes are glowing today,” or “I love the way you did your hair this morning.”
She needs to see that she is valuable to you. When my Lexi turned five, I spent some money on a dainty gold bracelet with blue gems. I had the inside of the box inscribed: For Lexi from Daddy, December 28, 1998: “Something Blue” Yes, at five years old I bought her a gift that I hoped she would value until it served as her “something blue” on her wedding day. She still has it to this day. It has served as an affirmation of her worth to me and my dreams for her. By no means does it have to be excessively extravagant, but show her that she’s worth it to you.
She needs to know God’s truth about her. The Bible is full of truths that children need to grow up hearing. Make a point each night to read her an affirming verse as you tuck her into bed. Memorize these scriptures together. You can be the tangible voice of her Heavenly Father as He sings over His masterpiece.