Daughters Need Dads, Especially Post Divorce

"A girl's father is the first man in her life, and probably the most influential." ~D. Jeremiah

Strong parent/child relationships are important for healthy social and emotional development of children. However, when meaningful parental access is limited or involves conflict, children may suffer from low self-esteem and other depressive symptoms. Recent studies show that girls are particularly vulnerable to negative outcomes when fathers are absent from their lives. In her article, "8 Ways Dads Can Empower Their Daughters Post-Divorce," therapist and author, Terry Gaspard discusses how important the Father/Daughter relationship is to a girl's development, and practical tips to create and maintain a bond that protects her psychological well-being.