In most cultures the father – daughter bond is very special and important to the development and well being of daughters. The impact of this relationship can be profound and long lasting. The father daughter relationship ebbs and flows and changes quite significantly as individuals grow and age. In early years the father is seen as the ‘strong and wise’ and the pillar of support providing nurturing, support and encouragement, and in later years this changes and very often the daughter provides comfort and care to the father.
The focus in most cultures is on the father-son and mother-daughter bonds. Historically there are many deep rooted reasons for this, such as the passing down of responsibility and wealth to the son or the prospect of the inevitable ‘giving away’ of the daughter upon marriage. This as well as the changing role of fatherhood is creating new types of bonds and expectations.