Dads, Daughters and Diplomas

It’s graduation season!

This week, I’ve been to graduations for my nephew, who’s headed to middle school, and my niece, who is headed to high school. Balloons, flowers, and cash abound. These are important milestones in your daughter’s life.

At my niece's school, there is not the typical graduation with the turning of the tassel, the cap and gown, and the screams as your principal calls your name. They actually take a walk around the school, a bit of nostalgia. They go through every hallway, as every student who will be returning next year claps for the 8th graders who are moving on. Their parents, guardians, and teachers are standing in the hallways, alongside those students, upstairs, downstairs, every crevice filled with excitement. They are holding balloons, poster boards of congratulations, flowers, gifts - it is a monumental occasion.

I remember 8th 8th-grade graduation, taking endless pictures on the stairs of our home. There were stuffed animals, tons of kisses, cards, and cash, but what I remember more than anything was the proud look on my dad’s face. I was growing up. I was headed to high school. I was no longer “Princess Broken Wing” - it’s a story I’ll have to share at another time. He had the look that he knew he would have to fight the boys in high school, but I was proud that I made it through the challenges and changes of two different schools in three years. He was proud, and there was no hiding it.

A dad’s presence at these moments tells your daughter that she is essential, that she matters, that her accomplishments are worth celebrating. They also tell her that she is loved.

During graduation season, Mom may have the camera out, she may coordinate the after-graduation celebration, but take a moment, even if it’s through a warm smile and an embrace, and let your daughter know how proud you are of her. I know what you’re thinking…she’s a teenager, she won’t want me close.

You’re wrong.

She’s a teenager who now more than ever needs your validation, support, wisdom, and even discipline to get her through high school and beyond.

Relish in these moments, participate in these moments, because through her life, she will relive these moments with her own children, nieces, and nephews.

Her growing up is not the ending, it is just the beginning of the critical role you will play in her life. How are you embracing graduation season?

Share your stories below.