From the Counsellors
Eighteen things every dad should say to raise confident, strong daughters
Fathers have a powerful influence in the lives of their daughters. A father's influence on his daughter's life can support self-confidence, reinforce positive body image, help them understand healthy romantic relationships and improve career success.
Fathers are powerful role models for their daughter/s, who learn from them what to expect from the opposite sex.
These learnings are also true for daughters who have stepfathers or another male in the space of a guardian.
Listed below are some powerful, yet simple messages, taken from raisingteenstoday.com, that you can relay to your daughters to empower them to become strong, resilient, self-confident women.
- I love you.
- I’m so proud of you.
- I’m here for you, always.
- You’re beautiful both inside and out.
- Never allow yourself to be pressured by anyone.
- You can accomplish anything you set your mind to.
- I believe in you.
- Protect your heart and give it to only those who are deserving.
- Don’t be afraid to take the road less travelled.
- Stand strong – you are what you allow in life.
- As you venture through life, stay close to God and true to yourself.
- The only person you ever have to compete with is yourself.
- You are very special…to me, to your family, to the world.
- Remember, your goal should be to turn hearts, not heads.
- You have a purpose in this life. Follow your heart and you’ll find it.
- Don’t worry about fitting in…you were born to stand out.
- When life gets hard, just remember whose daughter you are.
Taylor Fletcher (Kinder–Year 6) and
Rachel Sylvester (Years 7–12)
SMC Counsellors