Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know

Dr. Meeker lays out in plain English just what it means to be a REAL MAN when it comes to also being the father of a daughter. I was fortunate enough to have been raised by a better-than-decent teacher in my own dad, a father who taught his four boys how to love, cherish and respect the significant females in our lives (mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, etc.), but I still found new insights into how important a father is--and should be--in the life of his little girl(s).

Despite what "new psychology" tells us, boys and girls, men and women are, indeed different--in so many ways, and it's high time we, as a society instruct this new generation in that ol'-fashioned, but time-tested, truth. Little girls (and older girls and daughters) have different needs, wants, aspirations and maturity rates that demand different approaches to child-rearing than we dads might otherwise deem appropriate for boys or young men, sons, nephews and the like.

I especially found helpful the anectdotes strewn throughout the book, and to be reminded how lasting and impressive a father's words, in particular, are to his little girl(s) development about the kind of person she's even then being shaped to be, hit home with me probably more so than any other point raised in "Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters."

I thorougly enjoyed the book and have already passed it along to another father--one who, like me, is fortunate enough to have the grand experience of being a "dad-in-training" to a beautiful and wonderous adopted daughter.

EXCELLENT READ!

This book isn't a "must read" for today's dad. It's a "must buy" so you can refer to it as the unofficial constitution and bill of rights for fathers raising daugthers. I have two so far (daughters, that is) -- only seven and four years of age now. I can see myself referring back to this engaging, inspirational call-to-arms as I attempt to successfully protect, educate, encourage, motivate and love these soon-to-be tweens, teenagers, young adults, and eventually, women.

This is the best book on parenting I've experienced. Even if you're not a reader, get the audio version (I did) or AT LEAST scan the last chapter. Your daughter(s) need you.

For anyone who wonders what Dad's role needs to be, this book really shows how important a father's influence can be in his daughter's choices in life from values and self-worth down to the kind of man she chooses to marry. If you ever felt that Dad just brings home a paycheck and does a little roughhousing, this will show you just how important it is for Dad to actively participate in making daughters into better healthier adults through insisting on discipline, taking the time to share their opinions and feelings, and just being present.

this book is very good, my hushband and i read it and it sure help us .

The title, cover and introduction are truly misleading. I eagerly began reading this marvelously decorated book as soon as it arrived in the mail. What I found after the introduction was a 180 degree turn-around from what I expected. As a modestly successful person and a progressive man, the expectation was a bit of insight on transferring the strength a little girl needs to be successful and self-valued in a world of varying morals and work ethics. What I received instead was a use of statistics and anecdotal evidence designed to scare men to raise their daughters in a fashion similar to the author's own upbringing.

Please don't mistake the tone of this review. I believe there's some valuable information being presented in the book. I certainly feel that as parents we need to have a better understanding of the STDs presenting in our society and their methods of transference so that we can better educate our children. However, I found the method presentation (a mention of HIV, HPV, and Herpes around every story-line) a bit disturbing in a book I expected to be about will and character. Working in the medical field I understand the bombardment of human illness and its mental implications that a physician can witness. It makes them jaded to a point that they don't think positive things are actually happening out there in the world, and unfortunately that's the message the author portrays to young fathers. There's a level of healthy fear and then there's paranoia. As a father, if you can't find the appropriate balance you end up locking your daughter away with a chastity belt in the basement or giving up entirely.

I do think though, that this book provides solid guidance to some fathers whose morals and idea of family align with the author's. I've known some women, brought up in this fashion, who've turned out to be marvelous and successful contributors to society. I just find for the general audience the views expressed are severely narrow-minded. There's a superb niche out there for which this book can serve as a splendid reinforcement and provider of strength to fathers. It just didn't find a home on my bookshelf.