When my daughter was younger, she had a distinctive way of asserting her will. It was both endearing and remarkably effective. With a confident, almost theatrical flair, she would bat her eyelids, followed by a dramatic eye roll, she would announce, “I am going to tell Daddy. He won't be very pleased.” This simple yet powerful declaration became her method of navigating the challenges of her childhood world. It was anchored by her unwavering belief in my role as her steadfast protector and advocate. In her eyes, I was more than just a parent. I was a champion of her causes, a defender of her interests and a constant in a world that was still too large and overwhelming for her small, curious self.

Invoking my protection was not just about seeking intervention; it was a testament to her understanding that she was valued and that her concerns were significant enough to be defended. Such is the abiding trust daughters place in their fathers, believing with all their hearts that they will stand by them, come what may. As I reflect on the journey shared with my daughter, this cherished memory from her childhood encapsulates the innocence and depth of our bond, symbolising the unspoken promises we make to those we love beyond measure.

On her second birthday, I gave my daughter a teddy bear that soon became her cherished and inseparable companion. She named it Gupatoo. This name, a delightful concoction of the playful babble she uttered while learning to speak, lingered in our lives as a whimsical memento of those days. With its soft, plush fur and gleaming button eyes, Gupatoo was more than a mere toy; it was a source of comfort and companionship. This faithful bear accompanied her on every adventure, sat by her side for every bedtime story and provided unfaltering comfort during the night’s quiet moments. During those formative years, Gupatoo embodied much more than just a plaything; it symbolised the deep sense of security and love that mirrored the bond between my daughter and me. Every time she wrapped her arms around that bear, it was as if she were holding onto a part of her father.

As my daughter grew, so did her interests. The once-beloved Gupatoo found itself gently placed on a shelf, watching silently as she navigated the delicate transition from childhood to early adolescence. The teddy bear was no longer her companion of choice. Instead, digital devices, more fashionable toys and social connections began to take centre stage as she explored a world vastly different from the simplicity of childhood. This shift was inevitable, a natural progression in her development. For me as a father, it was a bittersweet moment, seeing her drift away from the once-irreplaceable comfort of Gupatoo to embracing new interests with curiosity and enthusiasm. It was also a reminder that change is the essence of life and growth. I found myself learning to let go and adapt, recognising that while Gupatoo's role had diminished, my role in her life had not. While the objects of her affection might change, the love and support I had to offer would not.

This transition is a critical part of growing up. It is a time when children begin to define their identity, seeking answers and companionship from those they feel can best provide it. For many girls, this often means turning to their mothers for insights and connection. As a father, it is a moment of realisation that our daughters are not ours to hold onto forever; they are individuals with their own paths to follow. While the dynamics of our relationship changed, the bond between my daughter and me did not weaken; it evolved. This evolution required understanding and acceptance. It was essential to recognise that while she might not need me the way she did as a child, she would always need me in new ways.

My role shifted from being her favourite playmate and companion to an unfaltering source of support and guidance. This transition was not without its challenges. There were moments of longing for the simplicity of the past, for the days when Gupatoo was the centre of her world and, by extension, so was I. But these moments were tempered by the realisation that the bond we share is resilient and adaptable. It is a bond built on love and trust, capable of withstanding the changes that time inevitably brings.

From the moment a father first holds his newborn daughter in his arms, he makes a pledge to protect, nurture and guide her through life's myriad challenges.

From the moment a father first holds his newborn daughter in his arms, a pledge is made to protect, nurture and guide her through life's myriad challenges. Fathers cherish their daughters for many reasons, each tied to the joys of parenthood and the unique attributes daughters bring to the family dynamic. Their curiosity about the world, innate ability to question and redefine boundaries and their capacity for empathy and compassion enrich the lives of those around them. Fathers, in turn, are afforded the opportunity to learn and grow alongside their daughters, expanding their own perspectives and challenging their assumptions about the world.

Few relationships in life are as profound and transformative as that between a father and his daughter. It is one that transcends the traditional roles of protection and provision, encompassing advocacy, empowerment and unyielding support. It is not just about ensuring safety but also about fostering an environment where a daughter feels free to grow, explore and assert herself. In a world that often seeks to define women by narrow standards and is fraught with challenges to their autonomy and self-expression, the role of fathers in empowering their daughters is an obligation as well as a privilege.

Fathers have the responsibility to challenge societal norms and support their daughters in breaking free from limitations. As fathers, our influence is immeasurable. We are the first role models our daughters know. By exemplifying respect, equality and empathy, fathers can instil these values in their daughters, encouraging them to pursue their passions and dreams with relentless determination. The impact of such enabling is far-reaching, influencing not only the daughter's life but also the lives of those she touches.

My daughter’s unwavering belief that I would champion her cause was not only a profound testament to the trust she placed in me but also a source of invaluable lessons in self-advocacy and confidence. From the earliest days of her life, when she would declare, “I am going to tell Daddy,” and look at me with trust and expectation, it was not merely about seeking comfort or protection; it was an implicit belief that I would stand as her resolute advocate. Whether she faced a playground injustice or the more complex challenges of growing up, my readiness to listen and act on her behalf became the foundation of her understanding of self-worth and agency. She learned that her voice mattered because it mattered to me, and in that realisation was born a burgeoning sense of self-confidence and self-worth.

As fathers, we have the responsibility to nurture our daughters, enabling them to forge their own paths and celebrate their unique identities. This process requires us to gradually relinquish our role as protectors and embrace our roles as supporters, offering guidance when needed while allowing our daughters to explore the world on their own. The bond between a father and daughter is an affirmation of the enduring nature of family. It can weather the storms of adolescence, the challenges of independence and the trials of life. It is a relationship that evolves but never diminishes, growing stronger with each passing year. As I watch my daughter grow and thrive, I am reminded that, while she may no longer hold onto my finger as she once did, she will always hold onto my heart. No matter where life takes her, my support and love will always follow.

The writer is an entrepreneur based in the United States and the United Kingdom. He tweets @viewpointsar and can be reached at: sar@aya.yale.edu