Fathers and Daughters

I've two constant "dates." My two daughters who never miss having Dad pay the bills!

My eldest Christine, 24, now working, is stepping up. Getting gainful employment seems easy for her. I'm impressed by her charm and confidence.

My Angel, 15, excels in school and sport. Of course she still looks up to Dad and "ate" to give her "baon" and more ... plus girlie stuffs, since their Mom passed away.

Isn't life good, with simple joys to be thankful for?

In our world, fathers and daughters often have an uneasy, distant relationship.

The effect of a dysfunctional, unloving father victimizes a daughter's mental health. Such can infiltrate every area of a daughter's life - her relationships, choices, emotional and physical health.

One time, I asked a 27-year-old woman in session if she's used to chat or go out with her Dad. Her short answer: "Seldom." She said she prefers to be with Mom.

Sadly, the "trauma effect of distant father" can result to a daughter's psychopathology. Gina, an attractive, charming patient, once hired a killer to murder her own father so she can get his property.

Heartbreaking, isn't it?

Parenting expert Steve Biddulph, in his book "Raising Girls," pointed out that daughters received much of their self esteem from their own fathers.

When fathers unconditionally show loving care to their daughters, they protect them from emotional wounds they'll inevitably face in their lives. This includes bruisings in relationship with other men.

For healthy psychological, emotional, physical, and spiritual development, daughters need fathers who see, accept, play with, support, guide, and love them.