Modern Dads Only Need One Rule For Dating Their Daughters

Oct 04, 2017

We are constantly on the edge of progress, and nowhere is that more visible than in the dating world. In this new day and age, that stereotypical dad that waits in the armchair for his daughter to get home is mostly gone.
 

Of course, that doesn't mean a general feeling of protectiveness is gone; it's pretty hardwired into us and comes from a place of genuine care. It's never going to be easy to think about our daughters dating and possibly getting heartbroken as a result. It's also safe to say that the world is typically a bit more dangerous for our girls, and we want to protect them as fully as possible.

But the dating age comes with an implication of respect and, hopefully, maturity. We have to start trusting that not only are our daughters intelligent and responsible but that we as parents have done the job of getting them ready for this.

And the funny thing is, it's not even that hard to do. It really just takes one simple step, in fact, and you can make this step the title and only chapter of your new dating rules handbook.

Step One (and only): Your daughters make the rules. Well, as far as dating goes, anyway. 

And that's it. This simple rule comes to us from none other than poet-dad (or dad-poet) Jeff Welch, and it's brilliant. Welch is the father of three girls and the stepfather of two more, so he knows a thing or two about this.

"You'll have to ask them what their rules are," he wrote in the post.

He goes on to say that he's "[not] raisin' no princesses," and that explains more fully what he means in the post, stating that none of his daughters will "need my help putting you back in your place." 

Welch has done the work and trusts that his daughters are strong enough to deal with disrespect on their own, in whatever form it may take. 

The post has since gone viral, and the reaction has been very positive. Welch remarks that seeing such a universally cheery response to his musings is a clear sign that the old "shotgun-wielding" dad trope is likely well on its way to the past. Like us, he does mention that it is rooted in a "genuine protective instinct," but that it can make young women feel like they "need a man's stamp of approval" on major life choices.

And that's just not enough anymore. It's time to put down whatever instrument you favor for beating off potential suitors and give them a smile and nod rather than stern suspicion. 

This approach will go a long way toward both empowering your daughters and showing them that you trust them to make up their own minds.

SHARE if you agree with this Dad's progressive idea and see if your friends and loved ones agree!