fatherhood Archives - Dad of Divas

Getting the Graduation Party Invitations Ready!

May 19, 2023 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

It is so hard for me to believe that my oldest is graduating high school this year. In only a few weeks I will be watching her walk across the graduation stage and probably shedding a tear or so as well.

As we prepare for the graduation ceremony, we also are preparing for her graduation party too. She has been very involved in the planning, and she has some great ideas about the look and feel that she wants this also came down to the type of graduation card that she wanted too.

We looked online for a while looking for a site that offered us a ton of grad cards that would help us get the word out about her graduation party. Basic Invite is a site that I came across that was simply amazing. Not only did it have a ton of graduation party invitations 2023, but it also had cards for other life events as well. For me, looking for items for graduation, I was also happy to see that they offered thank you cards, announcements, and more.

Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows customers almost unlimited color options with instant previews online. Once you select a design, you can change the color of each element on the card. With over 180 colors, you can make sure the card is exactly how you want it. This sets this company apart from what I have seen in other online stationery companies.

Beyond all of the colors you can choose from, Basic Invite also offers you something I have not seen elsewhere: you can order a printed sample of your invitation before you place your final order. This allows you to check out the paper quality and how it will print in real life before you buy a ton to send out to all of your friends!

On top of all of the options you have in customizing the items, you can also customize the envelopes that they come with. Basic Invite has over 40 different envelope colors to choose from. With so many options, you can easily make your envelope match the invitation. Also, all of Basic Invite’s envelopes are peel and seal so the envelopes can be closed quickly and securely.

Finally, Basic Invite offers an address-capturing service that allows you the ability to share a link on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other social media to request your friends and family’s addresses. The addresses are then stored in your account and can be selected during the design process. Basic Invite offers recipient address printing at no cost on all card orders.

Best of all, right now, Basic Invite is offering 15% off with coupon code: 15FF51

Follow Basic Invite on all of their Social Media Platforms:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Why Short Breaks Can Be Easier For Kids Than Long Journeys And How To Plan For Every Eventuality

March 16, 2023 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

For some parents, thinking about a flight abroad with their kids is enough to make them feel stressed. Very young children can be unpredictable during travel, and the longer the travel time, the more potential there is for temper tantrums, and need for constant supervision and entertainment.

With some careful planning your holiday has more scope to go smoothly and turn out into a brilliant new experience for everyone. Let’s explore why some types of holidays aren’t suitable for young children, and which ones are better for the younger members of the family.

Long Journeys Can Be Tough On Kids

Very few enjoy long haul flights, they can be uncomfortable, and although some flights may have numerous movies and tv show options on their in-flight entertainment system, they can get boring. Especially when you are travelling 8 hours or more and get tired of staring at a screen. Young children may have a particularly difficult time coping with a longer journey and could start getting frustrated in a setting that is both unfamiliar and with minimal stimulation.

Children have shorter attention spans than adults, which is why long journeys can be particularly arduous. Bringing along toys and games can help keep them occupied for a while, but they can eventually get tired of this strategy. Although some parents have an easier time, and manage to get through flights with little incidence, there is no way to know how a young child could react to a long flight. If you want to avoid stressing out yourself, your child, and your fellow passengers, it may be worth considering a trip with a shorter journey time.

Shorter Journeys Are More Manageable

Shorter journeys will be easier for children, although they may still fuss over a situation where they are stationary. The shorter duration means that their attention may be taken by toys, games or tv for the full duration of the flight. Timing is also important, for some booking the journey over your child’s usual naptime slot could mean that they sleep through the trip. However, this might not be a good idea if your child doesn’t like being woken up when they are feeling tired. In this case, choose an earlyish daytime flight.

Keeping Your Kids Safe

Children usually love to play and explore new surroundings, so a holiday could be a thrilling experience for a child. In the midst of the excitement, children could injure themselves, and depending on the severity of the injury, a visit to the hospital could be expensive.

You can protect yourself against a financial set back by buying travel insurance ahead of time. Providers like Staysure offer coverage for medical expenses and cover lost or stolen cash and baggage.

Think Of Kid-Friendly Activities

You might have some ideas for what you want to do during the trip, however your kids will have very different interests and will also need entertainment. For example, young children are less likely to appreciate a detailed historical tour or a visit to a vineyard. It’s important to include them in the trip by gearing some activities towards them. A good option could be a theme or water park, a visit to the beach, or perhaps something else that they will find engaging.

Often, you’ll find that hotels offer child-minding services where you can leave your kids for an evening. There they’ll get to play with other kids and participate in a number of different games and activities while you get some time to yourself.

Conclusion

Taking kids on a long flight or travel journey is never going to go smoothly all the time. If you’re taking your children on holiday, your life will be a lot easier if you head for somewhere closer to home like France or Spain. When you arrive at your destination, keep an eye on your kids as they play and explore, and partake in new activities, while enjoying the break for yourself.

How to Help Your Children Make Healthy Choices for Themselves

February 15, 2023 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Making healthy choices is important both for adults and children. But how do little ones and teenagers know what is good for them? It’s up to the parents to help and guide them. So here are five tips from Dad of Divas to promote healthy habits in your kids.

Take Them Grocery Shopping

Encourage your kids to eat healthier by taking them to the supermarket and having them pick fresh produce for the coming week’s menu. Teach them the importance of eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in order to get all the vitamins and nutrients their growing bodies need. Letting your children help you plan healthy meals will make them more likely to eat what’s on their plates. And while shopping for other foodstuffs, encourage them to read labels and make smart decisions regarding sugar, sodium, and fat content.

Sign Them Up for Team Sports

Besides the obvious health benefits of playing sports, like improved cardiovascular health, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility, just to name a few, being part of a team is an excellent way for children to learn good sportsmanship, and how to be gracious whether you win or lose. Playing a team sport like football teaches about working together and respecting your coaches, your teammates, and your opponents. And it’s also a great way to help them develop a spirit of competition and of cooperation, two skills that will serve them well when they reach adulthood.

You can work together to stay physically fit and ready for competitions by working out as a family, too. Do something you all enjoy, whether it’s throwing a football in the yard, taking the kayak out, or simply walking around the neighborhood after dinner, or even walking to dinner for a treat on some evenings. Being active together and showing kids how to take advantage of walkable neighborhoods can make a big difference in their interest in and ability to remain active throughout their lives.

Turn Off Your Electronics

Sleep is very important for kids, both for their growing bodies and for their brains. So help your children have better nights by making them turn off all their electronic devices at least one hour before bedtime, and stick to a regular routine that will signal the brain that the body is ready to get some rest. And during the day, try to limit your kids’ screen time by providing healthier alternatives like outdoor play, board games, or arts and crafts to stimulate their creativity. Getting off their phones and electronics will help them become more active and engaged.

Talk About Your Goals Together

Teach your kids how to articulate their bigger goals, and encourage them to share these goals together. You can model this practice by showing your kids that hard work pays off. If you’re dissatisfied with your job or you want to further your career, consider pursuing an online degree in IT technology. You’ll not only increase your earning potential, but you’ll also become a leader in your field. Studying online gives you the flexibility to spend time with your family while earning a master’s degree, and your children will benefit from seeing you going after your dreams.

When your kids see you pushing for a better life – and one you’ll enjoy more – they will be likely to do the same. As parents, we want our kids to succeed and push them towards setting educational and career goals, which is great. Just be careful about pushing kids into one tract or preventing them from changing their minds. Help them to see what steps are necessary for getting into a great college or becoming successful in a career field that interests them, but let them guide the process. And don’t get mad if they make changes. Let them know that change is normal, and that you will help support them through these big decisions.

Modeling ambition for your kids can be a powerful, positive thing, and one of the best ways to do that is by pursuing a nursing degree online. An online nursing program can give you the knowledge and experience you need for an exciting career in healthcare – and demonstrate to your children that it’s never too late to learn something new. With an online program, you’ll have the flexibility to study at your own pace, allowing you to manage both work and family commitments.

Volunteer

Turn your children into lifelong givers and philanthropists by letting them volunteer for causes they’re passionate about. Take them to the animal shelter and sign up for shifts petting cats waiting to be adopted, scooping litter boxes, or taking adoptable dogs out on walks. Volunteer at a soup kitchen together and listen to other people’s stories and experiences while you bond as a family.

Be a Role Model

Raising children isn’t an easy job, but it can be extremely rewarding when you see your little ones grow into wonderful human beings. As parents, you are their first teachers, so make sure you model good habits for them. Make being active and eating healthy fun and creative activities. And remember to be their biggest cheerleaders as you support them in their goals, both big and small. But most of all, enjoy life with your healthy, happy kids!

Parents and Carers: Tips for Keeping Your Personal Data Secure

February 14, 2023 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

It is very easy to agree without thinking, to companies storing or sharing your preferences and other personal information. A few searches on Google and you click ‘Allow all’ or Accept’ without missing a beat.

But if you stopped and thought for a moment, just how many companies have your personal data? And what data exactly? According to a Statista survey, only 12.5% of respondents weren’t concerned about the storing of their personal data. Yet, an overwhelmingly high number of people has not started removing their personal information from the internet, which is something the most people should do.

Examples of PII (Personal Identifiable Information) that data brokers can store about you include:

Name, age, gender, race
Past and current addresses
Financial and health information
Sexual orientation
National Insurance/Social Security number
Passwords/email addresses/phone numbers
Internet browsing history

What is a data broker?

Data brokers are businesses that find and collect information on individuals from a number of sources – for example, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, public and electoral records. Their aim is to process the information to ensure it is worth licensing and then sell it publicly to other organizations.

How can this be avoided?

Think about some of the ways you put your PII (Personal Identifiable Information) and that of your family, online:

Google
Email accounts
Social Media
Blogs
Online Shopping sites
Shopping loyalty schemes

Read on for some tips on how to keep your information as private as possible.

1. Remove personal information from Google

Every time you type a search topic into Google or submit any personal information to buy products or services, your data is being collected and stored.

You can request that information is removed, but Google can refuse, as they evaluate requests before deciding whether to agree or not.

2. Clean up or delete your email accounts/social media accounts

It is unlikely to expect that people will be willing to close down their social media. But paying a bit more attention to what information you are showing to the world will make a massive difference in keeping your personal information, personal.

When you think how many accounts you have created over the years, it’s not a good thought to realize that your personal information could still be stored somewhere.

3. Use decoy personal information

Unless it’s a situation where you are legally required to use your real information, there is no reason why you can’t set up a different email address and name when signing up to use websites, storing all unwanted communication as spam.

4. Cancel your shopping loyalty programs

Loyalty programs store your shopping history and sell it on to data brokers. So, if you can bear to forgo the savings, shutting down your accounts will make it easier to keep your personal information secure.

5. Opt out of Data Broker sites

You can send manual data removal requests to the data brokers that hold your information, or opt out. They are likely to collect it again, so it can become a regular chore. If you don’t want to have to do this manually on a regular basis, you can find automated data removal services that do it for you.

Resources to Help Work-from-Home Parents Maintain Work-Life Balance

December 24, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Working from home can be a great way for parents to balance career and family. However, managing both a full-time job and child care isn’t always easy. This is especially true for parents of kids with extra needs, such as those with autism. Today, Dad of Divas shares some tips and tools that can help you achieve that ever-elusive work-life balance.

Set Up a Career That Accommodates Parenthood

Some jobs are more child-friendly than others.

Research work-from-home jobs for parents, like graphic design or proofreading.
You might also start a home-based business. This guide explains how it’s done.
If you’re employed but working from home, be open with your managers and colleagues about the unique parenting challenges you face.

Optimize Your Home for Professional and Personal Purposes

Setting up a comfortable home to accommodate work and parenting is essential.

Get all the tools you need for an ergonomic office, like a chair with lumbar support.
Consider combining your office and your playroom to make it easier to manage work and kids. Here are some ideas for the perfect design.
Try these ideas to keep little ones occupied when you need to focus on work.

Invest in Technology to Make Your Business Low-Maintenance

These cutting-edge tools can make your day-to-day work life easier.

Try a project management software to easily track deliverables and deadlines.
If you need to update your curriculum vitae, check this out and use this free tool with time-tested templates to highlight your hard-won skills.
Explore other tools designed to make remote work easier, like a WiFi range extender.

Find Support Where You Can

You don’t have to go it alone. Trust others to help at work and at home.

Hire a virtual assistant to take care of pesky admin tasks.
Find local childcare professionals who can help wrangle the kids and give you a breather when you need it.
Connect with other working parents online and via community organizations.

Working from home while raising kids allows you to maintain a career while still spending time with your little ones. However, it presents challenges. Finding your community can help. For example, if you have a child with autism, connect with other parents of autistic kids online. The above guide offers some resources to help things go a little smoother.

Dad of Divas is dedicated to chronicling the challenges of being a father as well as providing some food for thought to other dads. Please feel free to click on our posts and leave a reply!

The Types of Braces Every Dad Should Know

December 22, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Different types of orthodontic treatment plans are used for dental issues such as overcrowding, misalignment and incorrect spacing and to improve both the appearance and functionality of teeth. There are many more options to choose from than what was available a few decades ago, with each option suited for different applications. If your kid needs braces, you should know what is available on the market so you can select the best option for them.

Metal Braces

Metal braces, also known as conventional braces, are perhaps the most recognizable braces that kids, teens, and adults can get. These braces used to be large and bulky, but they have become better and less conspicuous as orthodontic specialists have continued to improve them.

The dentist attaches the braces to the teeth and then connects these braces using a piece of wire. The wire is connected to the braces using elastic ties that are responsible for applying the pressure that pulls and pushes the teeth into position.

The orthodontist also makes adjustments to the braces every month or two to ensure the best results. Metal braces can be a great option for parents who do not want to remind their kids to wear their braces after a meal or brushing. They are also less reliant on patient compliance for the same reason.

Parents have to weigh these advantages over the potential of poor oral health, especially in younger kids who might not have mastered how to take care of their oral health properly yet.

Clear Braces

Clear braces have become very popular in the last decade or so because they are virtually invisible when worn right. Even though they are used by patients who have previously had braces to correct certain issues, they are also very useful for issues like misalignment, large overbites, jaw alignment issues, and open bites. They can also be used in kids who have teeth and jaw alignment issues caused by thumb sucking and pacifier overuse.

Apart from being clear, these braces are different from metal ones in that one can remove them easily to brush their teeth or eat without the aligners getting in the way.

Because of this, they might lead to better oral health than metal braces which can make brushing and flossing much harder. There are additional differences between clear aligners and metal braces, and this guide from ALIGNERCO does a great job of explaining them.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are placed behind the teeth to help align and correct tooth position. They are a specialized option which makes them rarer than other brace options. They also require special skills, or you might have to find a dentist who specializes in them if you want them for your kids.

Lingual braces are completely invisible because they are applied behind the teeth, they can be customized to work on specific teeth, and they provide better versatility and efficiency in select patients. Their properties make them well suited to adults who have complex orthodontic needs but want full invisibility, or teens and adolescents who are more conscious about their looks.

One thing you should know is that their position and installation can cause changes to your speech. Developing a lisp and some irritation to the tongue is very common. However, these issues go away once your mouth gets used to the braces.

Self-ligating Braces

These work similarly to metal and ceramic braces, but with one key difference. Whereas elastic bands are used to connect the wire to the braces in traditional metal braces, self-ligating braces use clips or doors to hold them in place.

The two types of self-ligating braces are active and passive braces. Passive braces have a sliding clip mechanism that puts pressure on the arch wire so that it keeps providing tension to move the teeth. A passive brace has a sliding mechanism that does not apply this pressure. These passive options are great for keeping the teeth in place, especially in cases where the patient or orthodontist does not want movement.

These braces lead to much shorter appointment times because they are easy to adjust. They are also a great option for patients who cannot sit for long periods, are sensitive to discomfort caused by other types of braces and have orthodontic needs stemming from developmental delays.

Ceramic Braces

These are made out of a clear material that is made to match the colors of the teeth. They work similarly to metal braces but are less conspicuous and discreet. These braces are a popular option for those considering either metal or clear braces, but who want complete secretion and affordability. For these reasons, ceramic braces are typically requested by adolescents and adults. Although they are less noticeable than metal braces, they are slightly larger and can stain depending on brushing habits and the patient’s diet.

Each of these options works well depending on the age of your kids and their orthodontic needs. Knowing about them should help you pick the best ones for your kids.

Movie Review – Strong Fathers Strong Daughters

December 17, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Strong Fathers Strong Daughters

When a wealthy businessman learns of his daughter’s sudden engagement to a missionary, he embarks on a quest to keep her closer to home. But when his efforts go awry, he must reconsider what it means to be a strong father. A heartfelt journey of a parent who is desperately trying to hold on to his children learns to trust in God with their future instead of controlling his daughter’s narrative. The movie explores the widely relatable challenges and joys of parenting and faith.

Both set of couples, respectively playing Steve and Connie (Bart Johnson and Robyn Lively) and Carlos and Bella (David Barrera and Maria Canals–Barrera), are also married in real life. Just like their characters, they are raising children of their own, resulting in an on–screen dynamic that feels authentic and meaningful.

CAST AND CREW
Directed By: David de Vos
Story By: Meg Meeker
Teleplay By: Amy Snow and David de Vos
Produced By: Brady Nasfell
Executive Producer: Michael Scott, David A.R. White, Kendall Baldwin, Jim Ameduri,
Cast: Bart Johnson, Robyn Lively, Carrie Wampler, Brandon Prado, David Barrera, and Maria Canals–
Barrera
SPECS
Run Time: Approx. 94 minutes
Rating: TV–PG

About the Movie

As someone that was a fan of the book with the same name I was excited to watch this movie. While it is not the same as the book I can see the parallels and to be honest I love how Sony Pictures captured the essence of the book through the characters and the plot of the movie. One of the things that I loved in this movie was the journey that the father went on to be a better father. The movie is heartfelt and allows you to see the power of God in trusting that the future will work out instead of as a father trying to control the fate of your daughter.

How to Keep Your Family Safe While On the Road

November 10, 2022 by dadofdivas 1 Comment

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Whether you’re planning to take your family on a road trip or to the supermarket for a quick grocery run, road safety should always be a priority. Here are a few safety measures to help keep your loved ones safe while on the road.

Ensure your vehicle’s condition

A well-maintained car is vital to securing your family’s road safety. Have your vehicle regularly serviced by a professional so they can perform the necessary safety maintenance procedures such as:

Inspecting your vehicle’s oil levels
Checking the brakes’ condition
Examining your tires
Topping off essential fluids
Assessing your vehicle’s lights
Testing the battery

Buckle up properly

No matter how skilled you are as a driver, vehicular accidents are still possibilities, so everyone must be buckled up properly. Make sure your kids are in age-appropriate and federally-approved car seats. Your child’s age, weight, and developmental needs will dictate the type of car safety seat they require, so purchasing the right one is essential. If your child is big enough to use a booster seat, you can choose from different color booster seats made by reputable brands. If you already have an existing car seat, check if it’s properly installed and its expiration date, as most seats expire six years after their manufacture date.

Carry an emergency roadside kit

Since roadside emergencies can occur anytime, you must always have a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle. According to the National Safety Council, your supply kit should include jumper cables, a flashlight, a compass, reflective triangles, a properly inflated spare tire, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, duct tape, a tool kit, a car charger for your cell phone, and nonperishable high-energy food. You should also have protective gear according to your driving location’s weather, climate, and season.

Take driving breaks often

If you’re driving long-distance, taking frequent breaks is essential. Schedule breaks every two to three hours so you can stretch your legs and get some fresh air. Stopping often can also help your children burn off their unused energy, as boredom can cause them to distract or cause unnecessary commotion while you’re behind the wheel. If traveling with another adult, remember to take turns driving so that you’re both alert and well-rested.

Drive proactively

While it is impossible to control everything on the road, driving proactively can significantly reduce the chances of vehicular accidents and roadside emergencies. Try to anticipate what other drivers might do, and pay attention to your surroundings. Keep your emotions in check and stay away from aggressive drivers. Eliminate all distractions and always adhere to traffic rules and regulations.

Get plenty of sleep

Fatigue can significantly influence your driving competency, so make it a point to get enough rest before a long journey. Aim to get at least six to eight hours of quality sleep and notify your family if you’re too tired to drive. Remember that your reaction time tends to be slower when you’re tired, causing you to make poor driving choices and compromise the safety of your loved ones.

Road safety goes beyond driving safely. Remember to follow these tips so you can drive confidently, no matter the circumstances.

Essential Survival Tips for Remote Working Parents With Young Children

November 3, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

If you’re a remote working parent of a toddler or baby, you already know just how challenging it can be to stay focused and productive in the midst of chaos. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help you improve your efficiency while also boosting your happiness and overall mental health. Today, Dad of Divas shares some survival tips to help you make the most of your work-from-home situation.

Set Up a Distraction-Free Workspace

Do your best to create a space in your home that is free from distractions. This may mean setting up a dedicated work area where your child can’t access your computer or putting away toys and any items that could catch your attention.

Create a Schedule

One of the keys to success as a remote working parent is having a schedule. This will help you stay on track with your work tasks and also give you some structure to your day.

Tap into Your Support System

If you have family or friends nearby, see if they can help out with childcare while you’re working. This can be a huge help in freeing up some time to focus on your work.

Plan Activities that Don’t Require Supervision

There will be times when you need to take care of tasks that don’t require your full attention. During these times, try to plan activities for your child that don’t need constant supervision. This could include things like setting up a movie marathon or providing art supplies for them to use.

Find Ways to Care for Your Own Mental Health

It’s important to remember that self-care is essential when you’re a parent. Make sure to schedule time for yourself, whether it’s taking a yoga class or going for a walk. New moms in particular are bound to be exhausted, so it might be time to treat yourself to a new outfit or item that will help you feel and look your best. After all, taking care of your mental health will make it easier to handle the challenges of working from home with a young child.

The Difference a Clutter-Free Workspace Makes

When you’re trying to get work done at home, it’s important to have a clean and organized workspace. This will help you stay focused and avoid any negative energy that can come from clutter.

A good way to achieve this is by designating a specific area in your house as your work area. This will help you keep your work and personal life separate, which can be a challenge when you’re working from home.

Another tip is to find ways to eliminate distractions. This may mean putting away your phone or setting up a noise-canceling headset if you have young children at home. Whatever it is that helps you focus, make sure to do it so that you can be as productive as possible.

Be Available for Bedtime Every Night

It’s important to try to be available for your child’s bedtime every night. This can be a great way to wind down after a long day of work and also give you some quality time with your child. If you’re not able to be there every night, make sure to schedule some time during the week for this special activity.

Have Your Children Help with Simple Chores

One way to make sure your children are getting quality time with you is to have them help with simple chores around the house. This can be a great way to teach them responsibility and also give you some extra help. Just be sure to supervise them closely so that they don’t end up making more work for you.

Nobody ever said parenting was easy. And while working remotely obviously has its advantages, it can also present some unique challenges when kids are involved. So remember to plan in advance, and to give yourself the same care and attention that you give your children.

Dad of Divas is dedicated to chronicling the experiences and challenges of fatherhood as well as providing some food for thought to other dads. Questions? Please contact me at dadofdivas@gmail.com.

Image via Pexels

4 Ways Dads Can Bond with Their Foster Daughters

October 26, 2022 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

When a newborn enters the family, it can often seem easier for the mother to quickly develop a deeper bond than the father. Thankfully, there are many books and resources that teach fathers how to bond with their infant daughters. If you’re going to be fostering adolescent children, however, this is a very different prospect. Adolescents have already developed a personality and some likes and dislikes. Forming a deeper connection with your foster daughter that’s a bit older needs a gentle approach and a lot of patience. Here are a few ways that dads can bond with their foster daughters.

Just Be Available

One of the most important roles a father can have when it comes to their kids is to be reliable and available to their daughter when they’re needed. When you take on the responsibility of becoming a foster parent with an agency like Fostering People, you need to be prepared for this. Being available just simply means being present and being approachable for a chat or for a quick lift to a friend or the local shopping mall.

Learn as Much as You Can

Men and women, for the most part, think and process things differently. Learning and understanding a bit more about how your daughter might think and interpret things around her is critical. Not only will you better understand how she’s likely to react to things, but you’ll also be in a better position to give her the right advice and communicate in a more meaningful way. It’s all about learning as much as you can about your foster daughter, and about raising girls in general.

Respect Is Earned and Demonstrated

When you become a foster dad, you’re going to be taking on the most important job of your life. You’re going to become the male role model in your foster daughter’s life, and that means she’ll look to you for cues on how she expects the men in her life to behave. The most important thing for you here is to demonstrate how women should be treated by showing your partner patience, respect, love and care.

Be a Good Listener and Provide Advice

As a father, you’re going to be relied on to provide advice and guidance to your daughter when she needs it. Understanding this and understanding when to provide that advice and when to just listen is important. Men tend to want to fix things and find solutions to things, but often that’s not what your daughter will need from you. Often all she wants is to feel loved, heard and understood. If she wants advice, she’ll likely directly ask for it, so be ready to dispense it.

Bonding with your foster daughter as a foster dad can be challenging, but it is also one of the most rewarding things in the world. Being a strong provider and nurturer, as well as being a positive male role model in her life is incredibly important. Above all, patience and understanding will be your two most important skills.