What is the fine line between being a badass dad and being a jerk?
You just know it when you see it. Being badass as a dad has nothing to do with breaking laws, bullying others, or being physically powerful. Being a badass dad begins with putting your kids above all else. Here are some great quotes to remember what it is to be a badass dad raising a badass daughter. And don’t worry — we will follow up with thoughts for dads raising badass boys, later.
Badass Dads Raise Badass Daughters
One of the greatest roles a Virginia man can fulfill is the courage to raise a courageous daughter. That does not mean turning Tina into a tomboy, or telling Tammy she has to give up trumpet in the school band so she can devote all her time to shooting squirrels and skinning snakes. We can think of seven for raising badass daughters, and each one can connect to a great dad quote:
The Necessities
“To live, a man needs food, water, and a sharp mind.”
Louis Zamperini said this in his Devil at My Heels. Why do you care what Louis Zamperini says? This badass WWII bombardier survived in a life raft for 47 days, was captured by the Japanese, and spent two years in a POW camp. You know him from the movie, “Unbroken.”
Based on years of dealing with children dealing with divorce, we recommend you hone your daughter’s critical thinking skills like a sword, so she is armed with words, numbers and ideas against the perils of the world. Ask her riddles; challenge her with math games. Converse with her instead of lecturing.
The Risks
“Just taking risks for risk’s sake, that doesn’t do it for me. I’m willing to take risks that I think are worth it, and I’ve worked so hard to make sure that I survive.”
Chris Hadfield said this, and he knows about risk; he’s a Canadian astronaut who had to overcome a fear of heights to realize his dream of working and living in space. Yeah, heights, like 300 kilometers up as commander of the International Space Station.
Encourage your daughter to take risks in life that lead to rewards. Pointless risks and stupid dares do nothing to build character; teach your daughter to set goals and work for them.
The Criticisms
“There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.”
Aristotle, who had two kids of his own, reminds dads to remind their daughters not to care what other people think if you let those opinions hold you back.
Most of the great entrepreneurs were the uncool, unpopular kids. Some still are, but they care nothing of popular opinion. They are too busy changing the world. Encourage your daughter to pursue her own path.
The Parent Plug
“A parent will only ever be in one of three places; in front of you to cheer you on, behind you to have your back, or next to you so you aren’t walking alone.”
This is one of those “author unknown” quotes that appears everywhere, including on coffee mugs.
Badass dads always have their daughters’ backs, despite distance, finances, or unsettled differences. Let your daughter know you are always there for her, no matter what. Be in her life so thoroughly, she still takes you for granted.
“You want your kids to become independent of you, but it’s also a parent’s worst nightmare: That they won’t need you. It’s like the real tragedy of parenting.”
From novelist Jonathan Safran Foer, this spells out the bittersweet reality of fatherhood.
Virginia dads, remember that independent women grow from independent-minded girls. No woman needs a man to complete her; she can open jars, earn money, and strategize business opportunities for herself.
The Achievements
“What is beauty if the brain is empty?”
This anonymous quote is a pithy way for Virginia’s dads to remember to look at their daughters’ achievements, not their looks.
Praise your daughters so they grow up feeling they can accomplish anything, that their brains matter, and that their looks are superficial and transitory. Focus on what they do, not how they look, and they will grow up to do great things.
The Failures
“Children need love, especially when they do not deserve it.”
Harold Hulbert, American psychiatrist, may have thought he was offering this Dadism as a practical medical matter. But our daughters fail constantly; it is how they learn not to fail. They act out; they get angry at their dads, and they fail at tasks big and little.
We say, look past momentary setbacks and constantly remind your daughters that you love them. Love them unconditionally and with your whole heart, and they will become resilient successes.
Badass Dads Need Badass Attorneys for Dads!
Dial 757-383-9184 or contact us online to reach The Firm For Men. If you face legal woes related to your daughter, whether you are a badass dad or the kind who gets walked all over by your spouse, we are ready to help. We focus on defending men’s rights in family law matters. Some may even call us badasses — once you enlist our help, we will let you decide.
