I can’t imagine, how difficult it is for a daddy to raise his little girl. Having to do it alone can seem impossible, but it’s not. There will be struggles and times when you will think, that you have no idea what you are doing. We can be very emotional and full of drama. We can also be very nurturing and loving. We just need help guiding us to be the woman we were meant to be. And daddy’s are plenty capable of helping us grow and mature.

I was raised by my daddy and I can help you become a better daddy. Learning to bond with your daughter isn’t as hard as you may believe. It’s quite simple, you just have to want to do it. Here are the ways my daddy bonded with me that grew into a beautiful relationship.

1. Listen.
Listen. Listen. Listen. Don’t talk. And by not talking, I mean don’t try to fix our problems. We just want to be heard and tell you about our day. I promise the more you listen, the more we will tell you. Once in college, I had broken up with a boyfriend. I called Daddy in the middle of the night crying my eyes out. If you learn to listen, you will be her first phone call.

2. Play.
Play the games she wants to play. She may like to play dress up or have a tea party with her dolls. Join her! Wear a crown and drink imaginary tea out of those tiny little tea cups. I wasn’t a girly girl, I was a tomboy. I also had two brothers. One of my favorite games was made up. When daddy was sitting in his recliner, we would run by him and slide on the floor. We would see if we could get past him without him catching us. So dads, it doesn’t matter what you play, just be involved.

3. Share Music.
One day Daddy told me that he heard a song that reminded him of me. This was the start of us sharing music. When I heard a song and thought of him, I’d let him know. Once I even made him a cd of songs about us. We still do this and it has to be one of my favorite ways to bond with him.

4. Include her.
Include your daughter in your activities. When I was very young, maybe four or five, I was outside painting the garage with my daddy and brother. It was super hot outside and they had their shirts off. I kept wanting to take my shirt off but daddy wouldn’t let me. He said that girls don’t take off their shirts. I asked why and he said that guys can but girls can’t. Well that didn’t matter to me, I asked so much that he finally gave in. Maybe this is a bad example, but at the time I was to young to understand. The point is…include your daughter. If she is interested, it’s her way of saying she wants to do what you are doing. Let her join you!

5. Watch Movies.
We were a busy family but we did have the occasional movie night at home. I still remember how exciting it was to go pick out a movie at the store. Those times are over but I loved how we were all in the same room together watching a movie. And if your lucky, your daughter just might sit on the arm of the recliner like I did during family movie night. For a bonus, let her pick the movie!

6. Show her Love.
Be affectionate. All daughters want to know they are loved. You can show her how much she means to you by your actions. Hug her daily. Hold her hand as walk with her. Kiss her on the head or simply tell her you love her. Daddy and I had a nightly routine. I would be all snuggled in bed and he would always come kiss me on the head, tell me goodnight and that he loved me. It was comforting to know that at the end of the day he was always there for me.

7. Show up.
Go to her events. Maybe it’s a dance recital, a talent show at school, or a softball game. Just go. Be there for her to show you support her and are proud. Every girl wants to look into the crowd and see her daddy. You’ll be the first one she wants to celebrate with. Or maybe you can be there to carry her off the field when she’s hurt. My daddy was a man of his word and he showed up. Be like my daddy, just show up!

If you want to bond with your daughter, it’s not that hard. Just be a part of “her world.” Make her feel important, love her, and care for her. Let her join you in your activities. Show up and be present. We want to be seen and heard. That’s all!

Leave a comment of your favorite daddy daughter memory!