I'm Just a Guy: Raising a Daughter(s)ಮಾದರಿ

The Power of Presence

If I could give one piece of advice to any father raising a daughter, it would be this:
Keep showing up.

I’ve lived through both extremes of fatherhood—from being her hero who wants to spend every waking moment with me, to being the guy she barely acknowledges (hello, teenage years). But no matter the season, one truth has remained: she knows I’m there.

That’s the foundation I’ve fought to build. Even during times when work took me away, I made sure she felt loved and knew that her dad was praying for her.

Today, it feels like there’s enormous pressure on dads to create Instagram-worthy experiences. If we’re not taking our kids on epic trips or giving them lavish gifts, we feel like we’re falling short. Let me set you free from that lie—it’s straight from the pit of hell.

You won’t find a Proverb that says:
“Thou shalt visit Disney to validate thy love for family.”

Here’s what I’ve discovered: my daughter doesn’t need me to give her the world. She needs me to give her my time. Because in her eyes, time spells love. And if we’re honest, that’s the one thing that slips away faster than anything else.

I can still feel what it was like to hold her for the first time—and now those baby years are gone. Time flies, and we don’t get it back. So if you’re a new dad or a seasoned one trying to reconnect, hear me: enjoy every moment.

There will be tears—I’ve got them in my eyes even as I write this. There will be laughter—hopefully lots of it. But through it all, remember this: your presence matters more than any present you could ever give.

God didn’t call you to be a perfect dad. He called you to be a present one. She doesn’t need Disney, she needs Dad. She needs to see you love her, lead her, and point her toward Christ. Difficult? At times, yes. Impossible? Not with God.

Show up. Stay present. That’s what she needs most.

Reflection Questions:

1. What distractions keep you from being fully present?
2. Does she know—without question—that you’re there for her?

Thank You

If you find yourself walking the road of raising a daughter(s), I encourage you to visit the link below. You'll discover a meaningful way to connect—and it would be an honor to walk alongside you and support you in this amazing journey. I truly hope this plan has encouraged your heart. https://thelionwithin.us/i-am-just-a-guy.