I have two daughters (ages 3 and 6) and trying to stay ahead of the curve on what will help them be sensitive, independent successful and spiritual as they grow-up. I have found a site on raising daughters (daughters.com) as a resource and I have read, Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters; The 7 Secrets of Effective Fathers. Now reading, God Made Your Body.
Can this group recommend books or sites for a dad in my situation (I have my daughter's 43% of time following separation / divorce; I care for them MO (after school when in session), TU, WE and TH (return to school) and every other SU); so, social skills and peer relationship dynamics come up for my six year old (I do my own research and talk with a number of female colleagues / friends for advise and guidance).
Your recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you, thank you! I received a number of great book titles to follow-up with. I can really see this phase of raising my daughters is likely going to be the easy stuff, and it is going to get pretty challenging in the years to come. After looking briefly over the books (which I have saved to a book list to purchase later), I can really appreciate more so how important it is to set the foundation of trust, built on our relationship now, through chatting, play, learning their style of communication, sensitivity to me as their dad, and what is important to them in our family, their relationship as sisters, and their peers. What a challenging blessing! Thank you, again for the books.
I highly recommend a book called, Girl Truths by Andrea Carey. It's not a how-to book, but simply a fabulous collection of thoughts and sayings that apply to every day life. It's easy to read and has great advice.
I've worked at a specialty children's bookstore for over 10 years and the book that we absolutely recommend is published by American Girl and is called The Care and Keeping of You. Your daughters are a little too young for it now, but when they become 'tweens' this should be your go-to book.
It deals with both physical and emotional issues in a very matter of fact, reassuring way- everything from getting your period and body changes and hormones to emotional changes. It is also VERY 'girl-empowering' - all about taking care of YOURSELF- your body belongs to you and you must care for it and also an emphasis on the importance of being a good friend, etc.
American Girl publishing puts out a number of books for girls in the elementary and teen age groups that deal with how to handle peer pressure, social groups,etc.
I would suggest getting some of them and reading them yourself FIRST. Better to have the information on hand and be familiar with it ahead of time BEFORE you actually need to share it! As long as you are mater of fact and not embarrassed about 'girl stuff' your daughters will be less embarrassed as well, and more likely to confide in you. You want to keep the lines of communication open!
I would say when one of these issues comes up (they hear about it at school, rumors from other girls, etc) have a brief, factual talk with them, using the book as an aid. Then place the book where your daughter has access to it and tell her that if she needs more information, this book is to help her get REAL factual information, not just rumors and stories from other kids.
Make sure she knows that if she has ANY other questions, she can talk to you, or her mother or grandmother, you will take her to a female doctor- whoever- as long as she knows that this stuff is natural and not scary and she has resources to help her process it!
Good luck Dad- you probably have some time before this stuff comes up in a big way, but like I said, its always better to be prepared ahead of time! You're a good dad!!
I have a 17 month old, so I can't offer book selections - but I did want to say that I think you're a great dad for being so engaged with your daughters. I bet you're doing a great job already!
Hello, I used a book called "How to Parent" by Fitzhugh Dodson. Later, I found a book by the same author called, "How to Father". They were very informative and helpful. They weren't just for daughters, but they described the stages chldren go through.
Good luck with your precious little girls.
K. K.
I really like Reviving Ophelia.
Dr. James Dobson just came out with a book "Bringing up Girls". If it's anything like his popular book "Bringing up Boys", I'm sure it'll be filled with excellent information. As a psychologist, father, and man of God, Dobson gives faith-based practical advice. The excerpt I read was great.
First off....kudos to being so in tune to your daughters! It is so very important for girls to have a father they can look up to. I have a few recomendations for your daughters to read when they are more of high school age but it wouldn't hurt for you to read them as well. I have read these to gain insight in female success in the workplace and personal life as a full time, married mom of two. I hope this helps at some stage of your daughters' lives...I will recommend these to my daughter when she is older as well (she is 4 now).
BRAG: the art of tooting your own horn without blowing it (Peggy Klaus)
Failing Forward: turning mistakes into stepping stones (John Maxwell)
Pitch it Like a Girl: how a woman can be herself and still succeed (Roma Lichtenberg)
rive: the surprising truth about what motivates us (Daniel Pink)
Keep up the good work!
One book that is a little scary but really eye opening as your girls get older is Girls Will Be Girls - I think the auther is Dwek....or is it Deek? Not dad specific...
good luck!
Oops! I'm sorry! Just saw that you're a dad. My book recommendation was for moms & daughters. Best of luck!
