New dads generally are full of mixed emotions ranging from joy, fear, hope, love and frustration particularly in the first 4 weeks of baby’s arrival. This is learning time, when he has to tackle the situation of being a new dad on his own as no one can give advice on another man’s experience as a dad. This is something that a man may not be prepared for but the ensuing days will embroil him further into activities with the new arrival, whether he likes it or not. Most men are awkward the first time round as new dads as they have the least idea of what to expect next. Of course, men learns from their own dads about fatherhood and family nut it is only with the birth of his own child that the real and most important journey in his life begins to unfurl. This is the most crucial as here is the foundation whereupon he will build his lifelong relationship with the child. For first time dads who have been blessed with a daughter, the bonding between father and daughter is on a different level than with a son. This does not imply that they will not be bonding with a baby boy but with a daughter, it is truly specially different and this is universal.
Strengthening the father daughter relationship
A father’s relationship over the years will depend on how he had handled the early years of his daughter’s life. From the moment of her birth to the day she steps out into the world as an independent young woman or settles down into marriage, the special bond that has been built over the years with dad never wears out.
1. Unconditional loving
This is a love which has no boundary now or in the future. She is your daughter and you are her father and the love is unconditional. Always give that secure feeling of love to your daughter right from the start.
2. Daddy’s little girl
You are the first man in your daughter’s life and to her, you are a superman who can make everything alright for her. Just like a son, a daughter too looks up to dad as someone who can do no mistake. You are the role model upon where she builds up her little world. You are the first one to have put her doll house up, who taught her how to ride a bike, who took her on her first movie date, who taught her the first dance steps and who picked her up when she tripped. This is no different from a son’s feelings but the love for a daughter is much more sensitive as she is more vulnerable. The vulnerable aspect in girls is what makes a father even more protective and therefore more special.
3. Physical play and games
While she is still young, indulge in plays with her that requires physical exercise such as playing baseball, badminton or even teaching her about cricket. You can also toss her up and give her piggyback rides or chase her around the yard. This will be good for her health and in the future, she will always have an active and robust lifestyle.
When she wants to play dolly tea party, be her guest and partake of tea from her little teacups and teapot. Talk about Barbie and her new dress or hairstyle and help her hunt for the lost shoes. This is important as she will communicate her thoughts of an imaginary toy world across to you, and you can help by participating in her games.
3. Encourage and compliment her
Encourage her little endeavors as when she does a painting or has performed her first domestic task or if she wants to sing. Also, pay her compliments when she flashes her new ribbons or a new dress.
4. Listen to her
Be a good listener when she talks through because girls are different from boys. Boys expect a straight answer as they will ask a straight question. Girls just tend to talk through, so just be a good listener to her thoughts.
Advice for new dads
1. Daddy time
With busy work schedule, it may become difficult to spend time with your baby girl. Therefore, keep aside at least one hour everyday to have an exclusively alone time with baby. These are precious moments which must e treasured as they will never come back.
2. Talk to baby
Talk to your little baby girl in gentle, soft tone about anything. Or you can just communicate by cooing gently at her.
3. Sing to baby
Sing to her, or just humming will do. She will know that it is you singing to her an will coo in delight.
4. Carry baby
Carry baby around the house, in the garden or just area the neighborhood area. This physical contact is important for building up a loving bond.
5. Change baby’s diapers
Babies need to be changed several times in a day as they cry when they are uncomfortable. Change baby into clean diapers and watch her contented joy.
6. Be a clown
Make your baby laugh with funny faces or peep a boo and watch little baby gurgle away in delight.
7. Take a bath together
Bathing your baby in the bathtub and snuggling her on your chest will bring about a wonderful calm to baby and strengthen the bond.
