FIVE WAYS DADS CAN SUPPORT THEIR DAUGHTERS

The father-daughter relationship is special; every girl needs her daddy to support her and love her as she finds her way through the world and where she fits into it. While it can be instinctual to want to protect your daughter and shield her from the big bad world, that can backfire and lead to stress and strain the relationship. But as a father, how can you help your daughter as she ages and dips her toes into the world? 

Listen to Her 

In many cases, what children need, both sons and daughters is for their parents to listen to them, not preach to them. While you have been there and done that, or you want your child to avoid something altogether, you cannot live their life for them, and you also can't shield them from the world forever. So take your time to listen to them, look at how they act, the words they use, and any changes in their behavior. In many cases, if there is a problem, your daughter won't need you to find a solution for her or take charge. Simply listen to what she has to say. This can be for anything, even if it seems trivial to you. 

Discussions are Key 

Avoid dictating to your daughter wherever possible. It doesn't matter how old she is, be it 13, 19, or 35; discussion will always have a better outcome than dictating. The reality is if you forbid something, then it instantly becomes more desirable. 

Allow the opportunity for a discussion and talk through things logically to help her make the right decisions. It might mean she needs to make mistakes before you come around to your way of thinking, but mistakes are essential for building character in many cases. You can still use this opportunity to discuss what you would do differently next time. Whether it is something as minor as discussing curfew times or more serious, such as choosing the right car for her, relationship worries, or something career-based, discuss, not dictate. 

Be Interested 

Or if you aren't fake it. This is especially important if you're a parent to both sons and daughters, as dads can sometimes prefer to be more active with their sons due to having more common interests. 

But girls will pick up on this even if you don't think they have. They will know if you aren't interested, so try to take the initiative and be present in their life as much as possible. While a topic like Textured Bangs Vs. Wispy Bangs: How To Tell The Difference might not be something you necessarily want to spend your time talking about; it might be important to your daughter to get your input, so at least pretending to be interested in decisions can help you to build a bond and support her when she needs it, It isn't always about the big protective gestures she will remember later in life. It will be how much support you gave her, even for the small, seemingly insignificant details. 

Praise Her 

Everyone needs a confidence boost from time to time, and your daughter is no exception. But think about how you compliment your daughter. Not all girls want to be told they look pretty only. Try complimenting your daughter on other aspects of her personality and character, such as when she shows exceptional kindness or does something without asking. Celebrate new achievements, her intelligence, or sense of humor, for example. Focus on all parts of who she is as a person to show her that you see who she is and what she is about and you are paying attention. 

Be an Ally 

There is no denying it's a different world for girls and women than it is for men, and it doesn't matter how old your daughter is; she will need an ally, not just a parent. Being in her corner means giving her help and support when needed without judgment or fear of retribution. 

This applies even if it makes you feel uncomfortable. Don't be the dad who shies away from broaching the more personal topics or changes in a woman's body. If she needs help with her periods or is unsure of what to buy or how to understand what's going on, find it out for her and show her you aren't worried and are there to help. If she's experiencing a broken heart, to her, it's a big deal even if you don't feel it is, so offer her a shoulder to cry on and make her feel better. Avoid dismissing or minimizing her feelings, and give her the space to express herself and share with you how she feels so you can support her and show her you take her seriously. 

There are many small things you can do on a day-to-day basis as a good dad to support your daughter, and these tips can help you connect with her more and support that relationship.

GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL IS A GREAT PLACE FOR FATHERLY BONDING WITH KIDS

** A Geek Daddy is a Goldfish Swim School Brand Ambassador and receives free products and services **

Learning to swim is not only a valuable skill for children to acquire but can also be a great way for dads to spend some quality time together with their children.  Goldfish Swim Schools have a variety of options available that teach children the skills to be safe and have fun in the water that are also great activities for fathers to be involved with.  For dads with children ranging from infants to tweens, Goldfish Swim School is a great place to engage in fatherly bonding with your kids.

Infant / Toddler Classes 

Goldfish Swim School provides an opportunity for fathers help their children that are 4 months to 36 months old get comfortable with being immersed in water with infant / toddler classes.  Introducing a child to getting into a pool at a very early age can help prevent him or her from developing an anxiety about swimming or a fear of water later on in life.  Getting children accustomed to spending time in the water as preschoolers often times provides them with confidence to participate in swimming lessons when they get old enough for them.  My wife and I participated in infant / toddler classes with our twins and when it came time for us to sign up for swimming lessons my son and daughter had no hesitancy about getting into the pool and they honestly can be a pair of real scaredy cats at times.

Pediatricians recommend that skin-to-skin contact strengthens the bond between a parent and an infant.  Spending some time in the water during a Goldfish Swim School infant / toddler class can be a great way for a dad to get some of that valuable contact they might not otherwise regularly be getting as often as mom does with a little one.  Plus it is just a nice, enjoyable way to spend some fun time with a son or daughter by participating together in one of these parent-tot classes.  

Swimming Lessons

Each Goldfish Swim School location has a nice glass paneled viewing area for parents to observe their children's swimming lessons. Parents are encouraged to stay and watch.  At the conclusion of each class, the instructor provides an in-depth one-on-one evaluation to a parent about how the student fared and what the child needs to improve on.  Discussing what you learned from the instructor presents a nice opportunity for fathers to have constructive dialogue with a child.  Kids are at the age where they are craving a parent's attention when they are taking swimming lessons at Goldfish Swim School.  Knowing dad is watching them swim and taking an interest in their progress will mean a lot to a son or daughter.  At a  recent lesson while I was kneeling down by the side of the pool to hear my son's evaluation the instructor informed us that he was graduating up to a higher class level.  My son was so excited to be moving up and happy that I was there to share in the news.  Moments like that for a dad and child to share are really special.

Family Swim

A great way to bond with kids is to just let loose and have fun with them.  Take advantage of Goldfish Swim School's open swim hours that let dads jump in the pool with their kids.  Whether you are helping a child practice swimming strokes, racing for bragging rights, or just splashing around this is a great way to enjoy spending time with your family.  Family Swim hours vary by location.  The Goldfish Swim School we attend has their Family Swim on Friday nights from 6:30 - 8:30 pm which makes for a relaxing way to wrap up the week.  Keep an eye out for Member Appreciation Weeks throughout the year because Goldfish Swim School provides special activities and pizza during  Family Swim hours to make the event extra special for students and their parents to participate in.

Party!

Celebrate a special moment in your child's life by reserving Goldfish Swim School for a party.  Don't be shy and jump right in the pool with your child to make some memories to last a lifetime.  Friends and family are sure to have a great time at your child's pool party.  Goldfish Swim School handles all the details and cleanup so dads can focus on enjoying the moment with your child.

Swimming is a great way to spend time with a child.  Goldfish Swim School caters to kids ranging from 4 months to 12 years old and provides plenty of ways that a dad can be involved with the experience.  It provides a great opportunity for dads to bond with their children through engaging in its activities.  For more information or to find a location near you, please visit goldfishswimschool.com