Friday, February 10, 2012

Raising daughters...A real circus!


This is a great book...not just for a father...but a great tool in teaching a mom how to best support or understand her husband in his journey of fathering his daughters. 7 daughters...we need all the help we can get!

There are days when I am just blessed to keep my head above water. I look at my life and think... God what were you thinking?! I am in no way capable of raising this many girls and remain sane. I can see him smiling and saying...Yes you can!

Tonight I posted phrases that I catch myself saying alot...I should have joined a circus! Anyone need a juggler? Oh wait...I created my own circus! I'm ready to retire!

A few months ago a dear friend recommended a book to me....Strong Fathers Strong Daughters
By the title you would think it's for your partner in crime. I must admit,  I set out reading this book to help me have a better understanding of my husband's role in the area of parenting our daughters. You know....so I can better support him in his calling as a dad!  Support...An area that I fail at miserably!

I have always struggled with knowing what a true father looked liked. Having lost my dad at the age of 13...I feel in someways I have missed out on a very critical area of life. Many fathers don't understand what a very important role they play in the lives of their children...especially for a daughter.

I remember days after my dad's death, my mom saying to my sisters and I....God promised in His word that He would be a father to the fatherless. It's in those days when I would watch other girls interacting with their dads...I knew there would always be a disconnection in my understanding of that father daughter relationship. An area in my life that God would have to continually bring reassurance of His great love for me!

As I read this book I was amazed at how important the little things that we (especially their dad) say and do can impact our daughter's journey to womanhood. I know we will never be the perfect parents. My husband will never be the perfect father. Only one man can have that title. That would be MY dad!

 It's never to late to continue learning to be a better parent. Our sons are 26 and 24. The girls are 23, 21, 18, 15, 12, 9 and 5. I don't see retirement anytime soon. I love this circus! This is a lifelong commitment! But with my Father's help we can raise these girls to be strong women who truly understand the love of a father.

I am blessed..........and yes I can do this! We can do this!