As a dad of three small kids — two girls, aged 7 and 1, and a boy in between — life is always busy and endlessly interesting. What’s been particularly interesting is not just seeing the differences between my daughters and my son, but noticing my own reactions to the things that come up along the way. Here are 5 things this dad regularly tells his daughter.
What makes raising kids such an interesting journey is that every age brings its own challenges: just as one child grows out of the terrible twos (or threes, or fours), another one comes along and takes their place.
And of course, another twist in the tale is how different boys and girls can be by nature. In our house, my son tends to be boisterous and full of energy, while my eldest daughter is generally quieter and easier to reason with indoors — though every child is different, and I know plenty of parents whose experience is the exact opposite!
So, as a dad with experience of raising both, here are five things I find myself telling my eldest daughter. A few of them apply just as much to my son — especially the last one, which really shouldn’t be specific to either.
Recommended reading: 20 Things to Tell Your Son
#1. Your brother does love you, and he doesn’t really mean it…
It’s a familiar complaint in our house: “Daddy, Tom hit me!” If I had a euro for every time I’d heard those four words, I’d be a rich man by now.
As Jess is both the eldest child and a girl, I’ll admit Dad can be a little over-protective of her at times. I have a tendency to wade in as soon as a complaint is made, dishing out sympathy and scoldings in equal measure.
But underneath it all, Jess knows her younger brother never really means any harm — he’s just being a typical, energetic little boy.
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#2. Girls can play football, not just boys!
It’s interesting how many children still seem to have an in-built idea that certain activities are just for boys, and others just for girls.
Jessica, who’s seven, has zero interest in football and always has, but it’s funny how she’s assumed football is a “boys’ game” and girls just don’t play it.
Of course, that’s simply not true, and it’s brilliant to see more and more girls playing football alongside boys, with nobody thinking twice about it.
So I’ll keep gently reminding her that girls absolutely do play football — even if Jess herself never takes to it.
Recommended reading: Tips on Capturing Those Special Moments of Sporty Children
#3. Wanting to be a waitress is perfectly fine — but maybe look at some other options too?
Jess is a foodie, no doubt about it. She’s always loved her food, and like her mum and me, it’s often top of mind: How long till lunch? Have we eaten yet today? What’s for dinner?
So when I recently asked her what she’d like to be when she grows up, I probably shouldn’t have been surprised by her answer: “A waitress.”
There’s nothing at all wrong with that — but at seven, I’d love to think that over the coming years, I might get the chance to introduce her to a few other career ideas too, just so she knows all her options.
#4. Mummies and daddies have to work because when you work, you get money…
Seven really is a lovely age. The questions seven-year-olds ask are clever, and sometimes so logical that they’re genuinely tricky to answer simply.
One question I’m asked more and more is: “Why do you and Mummy have to work so much?” It’s a fair question — one I sometimes ask myself too.
Young children don’t need to understand the ins and outs of money, but I think it matters that they grasp, in a simple way, what money is, how you get it, and why it’s needed.
Recommended reading: Top Tips About Teaching Your Kids About Money
#5. I love you… that’s brilliant… well done!
Now I’m getting soppy — but it doesn’t happen too often, so please forgive me.
I never expected to be the soppy dad type, but I suppose that’s something you only learn about yourself once you have kids. All joking aside, I make a point of telling my children how much I love them.
Why? Because I believe it gives them comfort and reassurance. Life can be genuinely tough for kids — and for adults too — and as screens and technology take up more space in daily life, having that human connection at home matters more, not less.
So, like every dad, I simply want my children to know that whatever problems they face, big or small, they can always come and talk to me.
And when it comes to “that’s brilliant” or “well done” — recognising their efforts, whatever they’re doing, really does help build their confidence.
I firmly believe self-confidence is one of the most important tools a child can carry through life: for handling stress, standing up to peer pressure, and simply being able to thrive and be happy. That’s why I try to praise my kids at every opportunity.
Over to you now — what would you add to this list of things to tell your daughter? Share it with us in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good things to regularly tell your daughter?
Reassuring her that she’s loved, that her siblings care about her even when they clash, that she can try any activity regardless of gender stereotypes, and that her efforts and achievements are noticed and celebrated are all simple, powerful messages to repeat often.
Why is praise important for building a daughter’s confidence?
Regular, genuine praise helps children develop the self-belief they need to cope with challenges, resist peer pressure, and feel secure trying new things. It’s less about grand gestures and more about consistent, honest encouragement.
How can parents challenge gender stereotypes with young children?
Small, everyday conversations make the biggest difference — gently pointing out that activities like football, or ambitions and careers, aren’t limited by gender, and letting children see real examples that support this.
Does this advice only apply to daughters?
Not at all. Most of these messages — reassurance, encouragement, and open conversations about money, siblings, and self-worth — matter just as much for sons.
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