Be the Dad She Needs You to Be by Dr. Kevin Leman

This author makes the point that, contrary to popular belief, the most influential relationship in a female's life is her father, setting the trajectory for all other relationships, including her relationship with God. He makes this point using practical and statistical proofs. He emphasizes that dads are to aim to be excellent role models in discipline and balance, paying attention to the unique qualities of each daughter, while maintaining a primary loyalty to mom. Primary ingredients in a successful dad-daughter relationship include encouragement, acceptance and affirmation, while avoiding the poison of perfectionism and flaw-picking. Each chapter ends with a few bulleted talking points to drive home in just a few words the chapter's most important ideas, and there is a valuable list, "The ABCs of a Good Dad" at the end of the book. This book is a good, basic primer on fatherhood with lots of practical help. I would recommend it to anyone interested in improving this vital relationship. I received this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my review of it.