From the day she was born, my little girl had me wrapped around her tiny pinkie. The moment my wife and I welcomed her into this world, I fell completely in love with this beautiful little person.
I couldn’t get enough of her. I wanted to hold her every chance I got, carry her in my arms, and simply be close to her. Even when she slept peacefully, I found myself sitting beside her, watching her breathe, making sure she was warm, safe, and alright. Every little movement, every yawn, every smile filled my heart in ways I never thought possible.
Becoming her father changed me instantly. It awakened a love so deep and unconditional that I realized I would spend the rest of my life wanting to protect her, guide her, and be there for her through every step of her journey.
What is it like to be a girl dad you ask?
Well, as a girl dad I have played princesses, done hair, received and given manicures whilst also teaching my daughter how to ride a bike, how to play the keyboard and play sports like tennis. There is nothing I could teach my son that I can’t teach my daughter, but there is a lot my daughter can teach me. I strive to break down any barriers that get in the way of my daughter being whatever she wants to be in life.
Fig. 2. “Convert provided image into a water colour sketch” prompt, OpenAI, 28 Jun. 2026, labs.openai.com/.
People often say that having a daughter changes a man, and in my case, I know it certainly has. She has given me a perspective on life I never knew I was missing and turned me into the kind of dad who isn’t afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. I can say that from first-hand experience.
When Emma was just two years old, she stepped onto a stage for her very first ballet recital. Dressed in a tiny pink tutu, she stood among the other little ballerinas, ready to perform. As I watched her dance, I felt a wave of emotion that completely overwhelmed me. Before I knew it, tears were streaming down my face.
It wasn’t sadness—it was pure joy and overwhelming pride. Seeing this little girl, who only seemed to have been in my arms yesterday, standing confidently on that stage was one of the happiest moments of my life. In that instant, nothing else in the world mattered. I was simply the proudest dad in the audience, watching my little girl shine.
Fig. 3. “Convert provided image into a water colour sketch” prompt, OpenAI, 28 Jun. 2026, labs.openai.com/.
The father-daughter bond
My girl and I have this bond that as she gets older seems to be getting stronger which is incredible. It’s something so deep that its kind of routed in our DNA so to speak. When she was in her toddler years, she would always wait for me to come home from work and would beam with joy when I walked in through our front door. She feared any other male who came close to her and would cry hysterically if they attempted to carry her.
Now that Emma is in primary school, I’ve noticed her leaning on me more and more for advice. She’ll often ask for my perspective on everyday situations, like, “Dad, what would you do if a friend asked you for money to buy a freezie at school?” Moments like these mean the world to me.
Rather than simply giving her an answer, I try to understand how she’s thinking first. I’ll ask what she would do and why, before sharing my own perspective. I want to help her develop the confidence to think critically, make wise decisions, and trust her own judgment. Those conversations are never rushed or dismissed because I want her to know that no question is too small and that she can come to me with absolutely anything.
As she continues to grow, so does our father-daughter connection. I cherish the role I play in her life and the opportunity to offer a perspective that complements the love and guidance she receives from her mother. More than anything, I want to be a safe place where she feels heard, valued, and accepted—a place where she can explore who she is, find her own voice, and build the confidence to become the remarkable young woman she is meant to be. I know that the validation, affection and emotional support I provide her will ultimately build her self-esteem which is vital.
Emma is intelligent beyond her years, is terribly attentive and can remember every detail – she knows exactly what Santa got her for Christmas 4yrs ago while on the other hand, I can’t remember what I had for yesterday’s breakfast!
And yes, I know every parent thinks their child is special, but with Emma, it feels like something more. I’m not saying that simply because she’s my daughter—I genuinely believe she has a remarkable spark about her. The way she observes the world, remembers the smallest things, and asks thoughtful questions makes me feel that she is destined to become someone truly extraordinary.
A dad is his daughter’s first love.
There are many sayings out there that speak to the connection between dad’s and their daughters, but the one above is my all time favourite as it is very true.
A little girl’s first and most influential love will be her dad, and no matter how old she grows, a daughter will forever be her father’s princess.
So fellow girl dads, always remember the lyrics in John Mayer’s hit song ‘Daughters’ –
Fathers, be good to your daughters,
Daughters will love like you do.
Girls become lovers and turn into mothers.
So mothers, be good to your daughters too.
He had it right all along.
OnBeingaDad 