Is this where we still are in 2018: dads with daughters threatening their child’s friends, especially given the ongoing debate over gun control in the wake of mass shootings at our schools?
On this latest edition of the Modern Dads Podcast, three dads of daughters read essays they have written bashing the well-worn trope of the overprotective father.
Former NFL player Jay Feely posted this photo on Twitter with the caption: “Wishing my beautiful daughter and her date a great time at prom #BadBoys”
Jason Greene, a NYC Dads Group member and longtime blog contributor, says dads who threaten their daughters’ dates annoy him. “Instead of bragging about your guns and the ‘whooping’ you’re going to do if some boy breaks her heart or mistreats her, teach your daughter to stick up for herself and others. … To value her own image and hold it in high self-esteem. To make good choices,” he says.
Canadian blogger Mike Reynolds lays out the “unrules” for dating his daughter. “You won’t find me standing behind the curtain with my rifle on prom day. You won’t find a Derringer in my coat pocket on her wedding day,” he says. “I’m not a threat to you. You’re dating my daughter, so I’m a friend. I don’t believe threatening someone is the best way to get them to reach their potential and I don’t think telling someone you’re going to shoot them if they make one wrong move is fair to you or my daughter.”
Chris Bernholdt, a Philly Dads Group member and longtime City Dads Group blog contributor, says there is a better way of raising daughters without threatening their dates. “How about we just teach our young boys what respect and love are truly about and give them the tools to make good decisions?” he says. “We can be better fathers by setting the example for the next generation and not using scare tactics. Our daughters are not unattainable prizes to be won. They are treasures to be cherished.”
Finally, City Dads Group columnist Whit Honea explains his perspective on the subject as the father of sons.
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