"Don't Be Super Grossed Out": 36 Things Women Say Every Dad Needs To Know About Raising A Girl

If you do nothing else right, speak kindly. I don't have the best dad, he was always fighting his own demons, and therefor not all that present but he has literally only ever been kind to me and that sticks out more than anything. He praises everything we do, compliments us endlessly, and always made us feel like we were obviously capable of anything. It has always been easy to see/feel his shortcomings really didn't have anything to do with me and were his own personal issues.

Don't start acting as though she will turn into a raging monster the second she hits puberty. It's a weird expectation to have placed on you. On that note, don't blame everything she feels on her hormones. Don't lose your s**t when she starts needing a bra. She has breasts now. So what? A father freaking out or being weird about it will just complicate how she feels even more. If mom can't take her shopping, have her sized, take her to a store, get her a fitting room. Done. Don't make her feel weird or bad about needing one. Also, it isn't hard to have her sized. My store won't size you, but they will teach girls how to do so properly and provide you with a room, measuring tape, and advice.

There is nothing wrong or dirty about talking openly about things like periods. Learn about things like this so you can be helpful and informative to her when she needs you.

also don’t be the dad who refuses to buy his daughter pads/tampons because it’s “weird” (know someone who’s dad straight up refused all the time because “that’s woman stuff” or whatever).

What you do matters. What you say matters. When you say you'll do something and don't, it leaves a stinging impression.

Don’t forget to encourage her.

If you don’t tell her any other time, for every formal dance/prom/big event, tell her she looks beautiful.

If you aren’t affectionate, try to be. Hugs and things like that will go a very very long way.

It’s gonna get rough, but if you do it right she will always be thankful you were there for her.

Editing because I mentioned what my dad could have done better, but not what he did great: teach her basic maintenance skills (change/rotate a tire, change oil, basic things about cars; whats a fuse box; general know-how around a house), teach her about money so she doesn’t feel like she needs a man to provide for her, teach her how to stand up for herself and maybe invest in self defense.

Make sure you help her be as strong and as smart and prepared for life as anyone on this earth should be!

Make sure to teach us “boy” stuff, too! I was an only child, and my dad still taught me to drive a tractor, change a tire, hang drywall, and fix things around the house. These skills have come in handy many times in the years since and especially when I was living alone. Plus, it was great bonding time for me and dad :)

Edit: Loving y’all’s stories! You are/have some cool dads.

Not a woman, but a dad of a girl: Front to Back is the most important lesson to learn first. Everything else gets complicated, so start there.

Don’t belittle her interests (and, unfortunately, the way people use the term “girly” *is* belittling).

You may not share them but they’re important to someone you love, so make a genuine effort to be supportive.

Keep your promises.

I was in second grade. My dad’s work schedule changed so he would be off in the afternoons on mondays. He said we would go to movies on Monday afternoons, just me and him, once or twice a month.

We never went. I never forgot.

She's eventually going to need some self defense. Might as well get her in classes early.

When they are teenagers, respect their space as it’s a tough time for them and honestly it’s really difficult to talk to your dad about. We have mood swings and you might think we hate you but we love you dearly! Be there for her when she needs it too!

Your words stay with her for life. Be kind.


Edit: Thanks for the gold! How exciting!
Edit:2 Thanks for the words of support. For those with similar stories of pain- I am so sorry. The fact we are still here proves we are stronger than those hateful words. Stay strong. Remember therapy does help. God bless all

I love how in both of these threads, the advice can mainly be put into two categories:



1. Be a good parent and actually pay attention to your children and learn who they are as individuals
2. Advice based on current cultural norms or trying to subvert current cultural norms



The one thing I would say is, know your child. Every single child is different, with vastly different personalities, quirks, interests, and opinions. Take the time to learn *who* your child is, and care enough to support them.

**If you're trying to make some kind of cultural/political statement with the way your raise your child, you're doing it wrong, and your children will likely resent you for it in the future.**.

If they say they don't want to be touched they don't want to be touched. This should be done with both genders but for girls saying they don't want to be touched and then their dad does it anyway really s***s and leads to mixed messages about what your personal boundaries are allowed to be.

Edit 1: Thank you for my first silver!

Edit 2: Thank you for my first gold!

Teach her that politeness is only for people who earn it. She has every right to be rude to a bully or a catcaller ('Go away, creep' is remarkably effective) or to tell a h***y date she's not interested as rudely as necessary, rather than giggling awkwardly and hoping he gets the hint. I know women who considered themselves hurt and then got a call the next day from the guy wanting to set up another date.

I lost my dad when I was 8 years old. He always hug me and repeat : “be always yourself. Be happy. It you have any problem, wake up early and see the sky. Th sunrise gave the inspiration to you to found answers “.


I thinking every father needs to hug a daughter plus have her the comfort of love. She never going to forget that. I am 65 years old and never forget my father hugs plus his love worlds.