Seth Barnes Jan 25, 2006 7:00 PM

Wearing the father-protector hat

Our girls have always been good about allowing me to play the role of father-protector. At times they've ventured further afield than I would have lik...

Subscribe


Our girls have always been good about allowing me to play the role of father-protector. At times they've ventured further afield than I would have liked and usually they have come back licking their wounds.

Once one of them was in turmoil over a relationship (with four teenage girls, that happens a good bit). The boy had been insensitive and presumptuous and I was in full-on protective mode. There aren't many opportunities we men have to wax warrior-like, but defending our girls from the Mongol hordes is one of them.

So then, this Bozo, having crossed me once, wants to enroll in a ballroom dancing class with my daughter. I tell my girl, "Tell him to apologize to me and we'll see."

To his credit, knucklehead called me and apologized. I told him, "I have four daughters. Do you realize how precious they are to me? Long after you're gone from the scene, I'll be there. I raised them and am responsible for them. And when young men like you come along, and without ever asking for my permission, begin playing with their affections, how do you suppose that makes me feel?"

That was the end of that. I'm rarely allowed that kind of semi-vigilante moment; I needed some Dads to high-five afterward. It's a conversation more of us Dads should have.

Comments


Comment created and will be displayed once approved.

Related Blogs

How to father a daughter to greatness

How to father a daughter to greatness

There is greatness in our young people. They have enough ideas and energy to cha...

By Seth Barnes
A dad's role with his daughter's suitors

A dad's role with his daughter's suitors

In the Christian school our kids attended, they sometimes stood out. Once whe...

By Seth Barnes
Where are the warriors?

Where are the warriors?

This past weekend, 15 of us guys were sitting around the table at man-night afte...

By Seth Barnes

Related Races (3)

Colombia | Semesters | June 2026

Colombia | Semesters | June 2026

Gap Year | 9 Months | August 2026

Gap Year | 9 Months | August 2026

Alumni 10/40 Spring 2026 - Central Asia

Alumni 10/40 Spring 2026 - Central Asia

Next article

Easiest book I’ve ever written

Our AI generated post content for you!

Here's a suggested caption you can copy and tweak.