Raising Daughters as a Single Dad

The challenge of raising a daughter as a single dad is a big one but
not insurmountable. A man may have to become a single father because of
separation and divorce; he may be a custodial parent or a widower.
Anyway, while a strong and capable adult woman can be a good role model
for her daughter as a mom, single fathers may need sensitivity, time,
patience and some tips on how to bring up their daughter as a lone
parent and ensure her overall personality development:

All dads, especially, single fathers tend to turn into a rescuer or an
overprotective parent for their daughters. This might only lead to a
rebel daughter or a daughter, who is totally dependent on you. So, allow
her to take limited risks and gain confidence.

Communication style of men and women differ. Communicating with your
daughter may require time, patience and willingness to hear. Most men
have an approach where they just listen long enough to find out the
problem and then the tendency to solve it themselves take over and they
stop hearing the solutions being considered by their daughter. Daughters
do not want you to fix their issues. They want you to listen and
understand and help them in finding out their own solution. Dads find it
easier to get involved with their sons’ activities and lives than their
daughters’. However, as single dad, you are the one to support your
daughter in everything they do such as shopping, athletic contests and
even being around the house when she is having her friends over at home.
Find opportunities to be with her to strengthen the bond you share with
your doll.

Puberty and adolescence in girls can be an emotional challenge for
dads and they might find it difficult to discuss many issues with their
daughters. The best way is to be hones and discuss the issues up front
with their daughters such as your apprehensions about her dating and
developing relationships with guys or about changes in her body,
emotions and hormones. Things that you find just too awkward to discuss
can be best left to be discussed by your trusted female mentor.

Support groups for single dads or Parents Without Partners and online
discussion forums and chat groups may help you to face these challenges
better too.

You may have to find a strong and capable female mentor or role model
for your daughter and help them to communicate with each other well and
get connected. The mother figure in your daughter’s life can be a
grandmother, an aunt, mom of a friend of your daughter, a coach for
girls or even a Girl Scout leader or a teacher.

You need to teach the child to solve her own problems and acquire
good problem-solving skills. Though, it is much easier to solve the
problem yourself, you do not want her to be dependent on you. So, sit
with her, help her think through an issue, fish out for the alternatives
and come to a conclusion.

Young men and women who have healthy group relationships with both
genders are more comfortable for later time in their lives when they
start dating and finding their soul mate. So, encourage your daughter to
join such groups, whenever there is an opportunity.

(Borrowed From: http://www.iloveindia.com/parenting/single-parenting/raising-daughter.htm)