Mirror Magazine

It’s Father’s Day, and you can make it a time to think about your relationship with your father. What’s he like?

They say that every girl growing up loves dreaming about her wedding. The flowers, the dress, the setting – everything is important. While they envision their big day, there is one thing that they will never forget to picture, the father-daughter dance. Considered as one of the most important aspects in her wedding… Oh what a dream it is for young girls.

They always say that a little girl always has a connection with her father and the father with daddy’s little girl. There you are right up there... move over career, meetings, the cricket match, the daily workout... She is his princess – his everything. Amazing place to be, don't you think?

Anyone familiar with the song “Butterfly Kisses” by Garth Brooks? Listen to the lyrics and you will get to know how much a daughter means to her father... (the advantages of being a girl is just amazing).

There’s two things I know for sure
She was sent here from Heaven
And she’s daddy’s little girl
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes
And I thank God for all of the joy in my life
What does her father mean to the little girl? A lot really... If you look at it now more than ever, fathers want to become better dads to their daughters. In the past, it was often assumed that mums played the primary role in shaping girls into young women. However, recent research suggests that the role of fathers can be just as influential, especially when it comes to a daughter's self-image and decision making.

So how do the daughters of the world see their father? Let’s take a look.

Let’s start with what I would call ‘Prince Dad’

He is a knight in shining armour, because he treats his daughter like a princess. He is always willing to talk to her about the things she is interested in, and he spends time doing things she likes to do, including playing tea party or doll games. When they go out to dinner, he pulls out her chair and compliments her appearance. As an adult, the daughter views her father as someone who knew how to listen, and who taught her not to be afraid of being feminine.

Then there is the ‘Buddy Dad’

He is his daughter's pal. They often do things he enjoys together. He encourages his daughter to try new things, even if it is predominantly a male activity. Buddy Dad is a great storyteller, but often his stories are about things he is interested in. As an adult, the daughter often sees her father as the one who taught her to stand up for herself, and strive for what she believes in. He may not have taken the time to talk about girl stuff, but he always supported his daughter's choices.

Let's not forget the ‘Boss Dad’

He is the authority figure in the home. He doesn't spend as much time listening as he does laying down the law. His daughter sees him as harsh and sometimes critical. He occasionally spends time talking about her concerns, but he often tells her what to do. The daughter grows up to see her dad as loving, but rigid.

And guess you got to mention the ‘Ghost Dad’

He is the father she hardly ever sees. When Ghost Dad is home, he hides behind a newspaper or in front of a TV. He is not available to talk to anyone. He is a busy man who works hard for the family, but hardly ever sees them. He is not willing or able to talk to his daughter, and provide her with self-assurance.

As an adult, the daughter usually insists he did show love, but did not give his time. She grows up thinking that talking and spending time together is not something she needs.

Whichever category your dad fits into or even if they don't fit into it... remember they are amazing people who love you very much. So this Father’s Day, reach out and take time to show him how much you love him. For all the dads out there... Happy Father’s Day... especially to mine!!!