Fire-Lit Lovely: A Daddy and Daughter Story

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto

“A little girl giggles when she is denied an ice-cream by her mother. She knows daddy will get her some later.” – Unknown

Dads and daughters have the opportunity to have an extraordinary relationship. One of my fondest memories connected to my father occurred when I was about 3 or 4 years old, competing in my first track and field All-Comers Meet. I was running the 400-meter dash, and the track at the University of Oregon's "Hayward Field" seemed like it went on forever. My dad was a long-distance runner, and since we lived in Eugene, Oregon, better known as "TrackTown USA," he wanted my sister and I to give running a chance.

More than running the race that day, the part I remember most is seeing my dad running along the track with me. I remember him saying, "Run, Yani, Run!" (Yani is my childhood nickname). And even though I wanted to quit because the race was so tough, he encouraged me every step of the way.

Last month, I was taking a walk in the park and witnessed the "IronKids" running half a mile. Seeing parents run alongside their children flooded me with the beautiful memory of my father doing the same for me so many years ago.

​Children want to make their fathers proud, and an involved father promotes inner growth and strength. Studies have shown that when fathers are affectionate and supportive, it greatly affects a child’s cognitive and social development. It also instills an overall sense of well-being and self confidence.”
​-Pediatric Associates of Franklin

Fathers, please don't underestimate the power of your active presence in your children's lives. They really need you. They need your provision, your protection, and for you to take pleasure in their presence. 

Knowing that fathers have such an impactful role in child development, I wrote my recent book, "Fire-Lit Lovely: A Daddy and Daughter Love Story." It's the perfect book for dads who want to connect with their little girls ages 5-9.
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The illustration below is based explicitly on the memory of my dad supporting me on the day of the All-Comers Meet.

I wrote Fire-Lit Lovely to promote fatherhood, the special connection fathers have with daughters, and to provide an opportunity for little girls to sit in their daddies' laps for storytime.

In addition, I created the companion activity book, "Daddy-Daughter Connect and Bond Coloring & Activity Book."

​This activity book takes the beautiful message from the picture book and gives dads a way to continue to build upon the connection. 

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​The activity book, provides over 50 activities that dad and daughter can do together, like word scrambles, play time ideas, crossword puzzles, and so much more! To find out about the upcoming book release please sign up for the newsletter.