Staff Writer- Emily Anderson
Maybe this is a completely biased report about how much my own dad means to me, but I think there is something to be said about girl dads. Then again, this is the opinion section.
What even is a girl dad? The concept of the girl dad, while not originated by Kobe Bryant, was promoted heavily through his famous quote about his love for his daughters. He shared in 2018 that “I would have five more girls if I could. I’m a girl dad.” Later in 2020, the hashtag #GirlDad helped fathers share their stories of being a dad and supporting their daughters. Through the connections fostered by social media, becoming a girl dad is a place of pride and joy.
To be a girl dad is not an easy feat. There come many challenges. Ben Hilding, one of Gustavus’ Chaplains states, “When Alicia and I were expecting our first child, I remember telling my mentor how ill-equipped I felt as a parent. I had never changed a diaper, I had never been a babysitter, and I certainly didn’t know how to have a daughter. I simply didn’t know how to be a parent. My mentor looked at me, smiled, and said, ‘Don’t worry, your kids will teach you.’”
However, being a girl dad can be super rewarding, Chaplain Ben shares. “I tell my girls I love them more than they’ll ever know. And it’s true. They melt me. They teach me every day how to be their parent, and I pray for the humility and patience to listen and learn.” Additionally, a study done on daughters’ effects on their fathers points to the fact that fathers can live an additional 74 weeks (on average). It is no secret that there is a special bond between girl dads and their daughters.
Olivia White, my friend and Weekly sports editor, shares sentiments about her dad, Reverend Dr Adam White of Normandale Lutheran Church in Edina, Minnesota; “My dad is my best friend. We have such a special relationship, and honestly, I do feel like it would’ve been different if he had a son and a daughter. He lives in a household with three women, so he often engages in activities with us, like going for pedicures and doing spa days. I honestly cannot imagine a world where my dad isn’t a girl dad. I do think being a girl dad makes him a better person, because he makes an effort to understand the perspectives of women, and in my opinion, that’s helped him professionally, having respect for his female counterparts.”
Girl dads may go against gender stereotypes, whether it be in taking an interest in what their daughters enjoy or even just becoming more educated on women’s issues.
As for my own dad, Rich has truly been one of my best friends my whole life. He has shown me what being a hard worker looks like, as his job has him working outside in whatever weather Minnesota has to throw at him. He has sacrificed so much of his time (and healthy joints) to support our family, which I will forever be grateful for. I love taking him for adventures, like going to shop at small businesses (specifically record stores) and going to hockey games. He has had to get used to living with three women, which includes the constant finding glitter everywhere and watching our fashion shows after we go on a shopping spree. Rich is such a great dad, and I truly do believe it comes in part from being a girl dad.
Dr. Chad Winterfeldt, a famous Gustavus girl dad, states, “I love my daughters, because they have taught me so much about things I wouldn’t have noticed—such as how much I enjoy Taylor Swift, and how important it is to wear whatever you wish, to express your own personality, and to choose your own interests! Because of them, I always want women to have the opportunity to do whatever they want to do and to thrive at it! No barriers!” He highlights the importance of girl dads in society, showcasing how his girls have led him to learn more about himself. To conclude, girl dads are truly something special. They work to understand their daughters and celebrate them.