Dad: Every Girl's VIP

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but her dad can be a jewel beyond value. Researchers are only beginning to understand the inestimable worth of a father’s influence on his daughter.

A study conducted by Statistics Canada found that young women experienced a higher incidence of depressive symptoms than their male counterparts, but those girls who reported a close, affectionate relationship with their fathers experienced fewer symptoms of depression. Even more significant, girls who had symptoms of depression at the age of 14 had fewer depressive symptoms at 16 years of age if they had a supportive relationship with their father.

Studies have also shown that in families where fathers participated equally in child-rearing, daughters maintained strong grades in math and science through the high school years. There is also evidence to suggest that girls who live with their biological father experience a later puberty and are less likely to experience teenage pregnancy.

A father can strengthen his relationship with his daughter(s) in many simple ways:

• eat together–an occasional lunch date can be a special treat
• read together
• run errands together
• talk–and listen
• show affection every day

There’s no doubt that a dad is more than just an accessory; he’s priceless.