Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters
| File:Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters.jpg | |
| Author | Meg Meeker |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subject | Parenting |
| Publisher | Regnery Publishing, Ballantine Books |
Publication date | 2007 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Pages | 288 |
| ISBN | 0345499395 |
Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know is a 2007 parenting book by Meg Meeker, MD, which provides guidance to fathers on raising their daughters. Meeker argues that "fathers, more than anyone else, set the course for a daughter's life." (p. 9). She states that daughters need attention from their fathers, and she says that daughters take guidance on many issues, such as drug use, drinking, and sex from the example set by their father (p. 25). She states that daughters need a father's role as a "hero" to help her to "navigate through a treacherous popular culture" (p. 29) that is "not healthy for girls and women" (p. 28).
Dr. Meeker articulates that fathers are far more powerful than many themselves believe. Dr. Meeker also states that daughters need the support that only fathers can provide – and if they are willing to follow Dr. Meeker's advice and experience on how to guide their daughters, to stand between them and a toxic culture, their rewards will be unmatched.
Outline
Introduction
Chapter One – You Are the Most Important Man in Her Life
Chapter Two – She Needs a Hero
Chapter Three – You Are Her First Love
Chapter Four – Teach Her Humility
Chapter Five – Protect Her, Defend Her (and use a shotgun if necessary)
Chapter Six – Pragmatism and Grit: Two of Your Greatest Assets
Chapter Seven – Be the Man You Want Her to Marry
Chapter Eight – Teach Her Who God Is
Chapter Nine – Teach Her to Fight
Chapter Ten – Keep Her Connected
Afterword
Reviews
Book reviewer Eliot Burdett states that he was "initially attracted to the book by the title, the premise and the themes of honesty, integrity, humility and courage." He states that it "definitely made [him] stop and think about the way we raise our own two girls and how we are ensuring they have the best shot at a terrific life."[1]
Columnist and author David Limbaugh calls the book "a sobering reminder of the awesome responsibilities" a father has "on his daughter's life – for good or ill – and how dangerous this world can be for girls whose fathers aren't there to protect them, guide them, and even fight for them." Limbaugh states that the book "...shows, in the face of the popular culture, that strong dads are essential for strong daughters." [2]
Elayne Bennett, the President and founder of Best Friends Foundation, comments "Meg Meeker once again has written a book that is vital reading for men fathering daughters. It beautifully portrays the very special relationship between fathers and daughters and the incredible impact this relationship can have on their lives." [3]
Walt Mueller from the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding calls the book a "straightforward and compelling challenge reminding fathers of the powerful life-shaping role they play in their daughters’ lives." He says the book "helps fathers understand their power, know what roles to assume in their daughter’s lives, and know what and how to teach life lessons to their girls."
About the author
Dr. Meeker has more than 20 years of experience in pediatric and adolescent medicine. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Advisory Board of The Medical Institute. She lives in Traverse City, Michigan.
References
- ^ Book Review: Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters. Available at: http://eliotburdett.com/book-review-strong-fathers-strong-daughters Accessed on January 5, 2013
- ^ Available at: http://daveramsey.com/store/books/daves-library/Marital-Relationship/strong-fathers-strong-daughters/prod447.html Accessed on January 5, 2013
- ^ Available at: http://stewardship.com/store/books/strong-fathers-strong-daughters/prodS056.html Accessed on August 30, 2015