For years dads have been treated like a parenting novice.  Mom is the go-to authority and dad is the target of jokes or ridicule.  How many sit-coms derive laughter from the “bad daddy” scenario?  There is some truth to the idea.  Back in the “Leave it to Beaver” days, dad came home, sat on the couch and just reminded Wally and the Beav to do their homework.  Even in the Brady Bunch household, dad was only there to deliver timely quips and advice but never did the day to day parenting.

Dads are more involved in their child’s lives now, but may of the old stereotypes remain.  And research is showing the connection between fathers and daughters is vitally important.

Linda Neilson, author of Between Fathers and Daughters: Enriching and Rebuilding Your Adult Relationship”, says more attention needs to be given to the father-daughter connection, particularly when dad is not there every day. "We still too often treat dads, especially divorced dads, like the mom's sidekick or her apprentice in parenting," she explains.  Nielsen says there is "overwhelming" and "consistent" research that demonstrates the vital roles that fathers and daughters play in each other's lives.

According to Neilson, when a daughter has a healthy relationship with her father she grows up to be more self-confident, able to accept challenges, can express anger comfortably, is more successful in her career, and shares trusting relationships with men.

Many times we focus on the issues that confront a working woman who is expected to do it all.  Just realize that dad is also there to help you and your kids achieve great things.