In the realm of parenting, we’ve come across the infamous “rules for dating my daughter” posts, haven’t we? You know the type: filled with threats, intimidation, and sometimes even the implication of violence. They come off as unnerving at best and deeply misogynistic at worst.
- Get a job.
- I don’t like you.
- I’m always watching.
- Hire a lawyer…
Yes, these messages are often proudly donned on shirts by some fathers. However, one dad decided he was done with the stereotype of the overprotective father treating his daughters like “property.” He took a different approach, and his version of the rules is gaining significant attention online.
As Jake Thompson puts it, “I’m not raising princesses.” He believes that it’s essential to ask his daughters what their expectations are. “I’m not raising my girls to rely on their dad’s intimidating presence to be treated with respect,” he asserts. “You will respect them, and if you don’t, they can handle you on their own.”
Jake, who has six daughters in a blended family, has learned a valuable lesson: they are strong, capable individuals who can make their own decisions without their dad hovering protectively over them. “I grew up in a very religious household,” Jake shared. “Being homeschooled meant I missed out on some words I now love to use. I watched my mother play the ‘submissive wife’ role for years, and it never felt right to me—even as a child. When I had daughters, I became acutely aware of anything that even vaguely resembled misogyny.”
When speaking to Family Life Journal, Jake noted that he was a feminist long before becoming a father, but having daughters truly solidified his understanding. “These girls are incredible individuals, and I can’t take credit for that other than recognizing that the best thing I can do is not try to ‘mold’ them.”
How refreshing! It’s rare to find a father who flips the narrative and truly understands the importance of empowering women. Jake reflected on a conversation he had with a man who bragged about intimidating a boy who came to pick up his daughter for a date. “How disturbing is that?” he asked. After seeing numerous posts on the “10 rules for dating my daughter,” he felt compelled to share his thoughts.
And we’re glad he did! Now, if only we could get this new message printed on a shirt. If you’re interested in more information about parenting or home insemination methods, check out this excellent resource on fertility treatment. For tips on enhancing fertility, don’t forget to visit our blog on fertility boosters for men.
In summary, Jake Thompson’s take on dating rules for his daughters advocates for respect, empowerment, and independence, challenging the outdated notion of the protective father figure while promoting a healthier narrative about relationships.