Dads and Daughters (Electronic book text)

Every father can make a huge difference in his daughter's life. As the primary male role model in a girl's life, fathers influence their daughters in profound ways, from how they see themselves to what they come to expect from men and the world at large. But men often don't realize the importance of their interactions or may shy away from too close involvement because of their inexperience, or conditioning. Especially as girls move into adolescence, fathers may find themselves feeling distant from their daughters or awkward with the changing dynamic. Communication becomes difficult and parenting issues more complicated. But this is also the time when daughters most need their fathers to be an even greater presence in their lives. "Dads and Daughters" is a tool to bridge that gap and build a rewarding and joyful father-daughter relationship. From father to father and with insights from many other dads, Joe Kelly shows men how they can strengthen their relationships with their daughters and explores the tremendous rewards this relationship can bring. Starting with a self-assessment quiz titled "How Am I Doing as My Daughter's Father?" dads can immediately see what kind of role they play in their daughter's life. To educate fathers and offer solutions when problems arise, "Dads and Daughters" then offers thoughtful coverage of the most pivotal issues today's girls face, such as sex and dating, body image, alcohol and drugs, media culture and violence, money and responsibility, and the future. In doing so he both illuminates the culture our daughters live in and shows fathers how to guide their daughters toward rewarding, healthy lives. "Joe Kelly defines the landscape for fathersand daughters in the treacherous domain of America today. He also offers the testimony of other travelers, a map and a first aid kit to help families make it to safety. This book is an essential aid for the fathers of adolescent girls." MARY PIPHER, AUTHOR OF "REVIVING OPHELIA: SAVING THE SELVES OF ADOLESCENT GIRLS" "Joe Kelly points the way for fathers to help raise empowered and healthy daughters -- a longtime feminist goal. "Dads and Daughters" is must reading for men and women alike who want to change the world their daughters will inherit." LESLIE R. WOLFE, PH.D., PRESIDENT OF THE CENTER FOR WOMEN POLICY STUDIES ""Dads and Daughters" should go on the required reading list of every one of us dads who want to raise healthy and strong daughters." DAVID WALSH, PH.D., PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER, NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON MEDIA AND THE FAMILY ""Dads and Daughters" does what a good advice book should do: respect its readers while offering them real guidance and help. Joe Kelly knows it's tough to navigate the passage from girl to woman in our culture, and he knows that fathers can make a big difference in their daughters' lives. He is able to laugh at himself, to reveal his own struggles, and to empathize with the fathers he's addressing. But he holds his readers to a high standard because he knows how important fathers are. "Dads and Daughters" challenges and invites fathers to listen-to their daughters, of course, but also to each other. This is a book that will make fathers "want" to learn how to stay close to their daughters, and it is a book that will show them how." SUSANNAH SHEFFER, AUTHOR OF "A SENSE OF SELF: LISTENING TO HOMESCHOOLED ADOLESCENT GIRLS" "I've been abig fan of Joe Kelly ever since