I often come across reels and memes on social media mocking girls who struggle with kitchen activities or household chores, using hashtags like #DaddysPrincess or #DaddysLittleGirl. While some of them are amusing and may bring a smile, they also reveal a strong undertone of deep-rooted patriarchy. In the past, many men limited their roles to breadwinning, leaving parenting to their wives. Though they loved their children, their emotional detachment was often apparent.
However, times have changed, and a new generation of fathers, often referred to as ‘Penguin Dads’, is redefining parenting. Like penguins, we share responsibilities equally—whether it’s earning or raising kids. Many of us have even embraced full-time fatherhood, stepping away from traditional roles.
What makes this shift truly remarkable is that many of us are girl dads, spending quality time raising daughters and challenging societal norms. We talk about all things—be it “boy stuff,” sports, or shopping. We play soccer with our toddler girls, go fishing with them, and even let them paint our nails.
For example, my sixteen-year-old can reverse a car and change a flat tire. My twelve-year-old is curious about how I manage investments. We openly discuss topics like sanitary products and support them as they navigate their journeys into womanhood. The other day, my younger daughter shared her college plans: “There won’t be any fun without boys,” she joked with a wink, emphasizing her preference for co-ed institutions.
As girl dads, we aren’t raising daughters confined to traditional roles. Instead, we are raising professionals and equal partners. While many of us were raised by incredible stay-at-home mothers, we want our daughters to have the freedom to choose their paths—whether it’s burning stew in the kitchen or solving complex accounting problems at work.
More importantly, daughters raised by involved fathers are a different breed of women. They grow up seeing the vulnerable side of men—witnessing their fathers shed a tear, brood silently, or battle through tough times. These girls develop empathy, resilience, and emotional intelligence, all while learning they don’t need manipulative skills to get things done.
So, what’s wrong with being Daddy’s Princess? Absolutely nothing. Because this new generation of daddy’s princesses is not just breaking gender norms—they’re rewriting them.
Note: This is a guest post. Have stories or thoughts about fatherhood to share? I’d love to feature your perspectives on The Fatherhood Diaries — send in your articles and join the dialogue with our readers! You can email us at – editor.tfdblog@gmail.com
