"No one in this world can love a girl more than her father." -Michael Ratnadeepak

A father-daughter relationship is a bond like no other. This unique relationship has a tremendous influence on almost every aspect of a young girl's life. The relationship influences areas such as her social life, romantic relationships, academic performance and financial acumen.

This is probably the most important relationship for your daughter as it helps to shape the foundation of her self-esteem and how she views herself and feels about herself.

With that said here are seven things fathers should do to establish and maintain a lasting bond with their daughters:

1. Plan a father-daughter date

Plan a lunch/dinner date to spend quality time with your daughter. Role model what she should expect when she starts dating. Exhibit gentleman qualities by opening the door for her and pulling out her chair. Make her feel special by setting aside time that will only be dedicated to her. A father-daughter dance is a great way to establish this with your daughter at a younger age.

2. Show her you will protect her

Hug her when she's down. Assure her you will protect her no matter what. When it's time to seek refuge, you will be that safe haven. This will provide her with confidence to take risks and be ambitious.

3. Tell her she is beautiful and smart each day

This helps build her confidence. She will have the courage to be brave and take risks knowing she has support. She will get used to someone valuing her beauty and intellect and will not accept anything less.

4. Always do something special for her on Valentine's Day

You are your daughter's first love. What you do for her sets the tone for how her future husband should treat her. Send her flowers or little trinkets. Treat her to lunch at her favorite restaurant or do whatever she likes to feel special. Set the tone for what she deserves and maintain that well after she reaches adulthood. You will not be competing with another person's attention but maintaining that bond. Your love for her is forever, and you should show her that always.

5. Make holidays and her birthdays special

Always make a big deal out of her birthday, holidays, her anniversaries, graduation and anything celebrating her. Acknowledge those special occasions and participate in any of the celebrations. This attention will go a long way and help make her experiences and memories even more special.

6. Always be there for her call

She will need reassurance, protection and understanding only a dad can give. It will help protect her heart. It will help her fight through any pain she may experience. It will make her stronger knowing she has the ongoing love and support of her father when times are rough.

7. Show unwavering, unconditional love

Show your daughter you love her no matter what. She will make mistakes and go through different phases in her life. Regardless of the circumstances, show her you will be there for her. Prove and express your love whenever you can.

The above examples are just a few ways fathers can establish and strengthen their relationships with their daughters. There are, of course, many other ways fathers can connect with their daughters, but the main thing is that you put in the effort and remain consistent with your actions.

Your daughter's life and well-being depend on it.

What are some ways you show your daughter she is important to you?

The post 7 things fathers must do for their daughters appeared first on FamilyToday.

Have you ever saw an infant or small child and thought to yourself, "Aww, isn't he/she adorable?"

Let's admit it, we all tend to get caught up in the cuteness overload on our social media timelines from time to time. The thought of a baby may have crossed your mind, and you may be deciding to embark upon the land of no return called parenthood. Or perhaps you weren't planning on becoming a parent, but unexpectedly, you did.

Nonetheless, deciding to create and bring a life into this world is a lifelong commitment that requires some deep thought and planning. And while children are both adorable and cute, they are individuals you will have to raise, teach, guide, monitor and support until they are able to take care of themselves.

So if you are considering adding to or expanding your family, here are a few questions to ask yourself before taking the plunge:

1. Have you lived or experienced life?

Once kids pop on the scene, any free time that you have or think you have is non- existent. You are catering to their every cry, whimper and move. You are shackled to them until further notice. Autonomy as you know it is gone.

Many of the pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned with young women in their 20s representing the majority of the group. Early adulthood is that critical time for self-discovery and self-growth.

As a young adult, or adult of any age, there may be things that you want to experience and accomplish prior to parenthood.

Regardless of what it is that you would like do or accomplish, it's important to allow those experiences to manifest. It will help shape you into the individual you are meant to be and, in turn, you will be able use the knowledge and life lessons to create a meaningful environment for your child when you decide to have one.

2. Are you financially stable to have children?

Everything comes at a cost and children are no exception. The cost to raise a child from birth to age 17 is approximately $233,610.

Yes. Six figures, and that's only for one child.

There are many costs associated with raising children, which include and are not limited to, housing, healthcare, education and childcare.

With that said, you have to evaluate your current situation. What does your financial situation look like? Do you have anything in savings? Any investments? Are you receiving the salary that you want? Are you struggling to make ends meet?

Assessing your financial preparedness will help you to better understand the quality of life that you will not only provide for yourself but for your future offspring.

3. Are you mentally and emotionally ready to have kids?

Having children is one of the most drastic life-changing events you could experience. You suddenly go from having to worry only about yourself to fully being responsible for another human being. This individual relies solely on you for their survival and existence.

This requires a mature mindset and attitude towards every decision regarding your child. It's understanding and fully processing your new life as a parent and how your choices impact your child.

Raising children brings on a whole new level of stress that you may not be ready to handle. Being a parent is a nonstop, demanding role that requires tremendous amounts of sacrifice. It is a dominant role that takes priority over every aspect of your life. It is an immediate and permanent lifestyle change.

4. Are there any genetic concerns?

It is important to understand and know if there are any genetic concerns in your family's medical history. Some families may have a medical history of diseases such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia, which result from genetic disorders.

If there are any concerns regarding what you and the other parent are passing down to your offspring, a doctor can administer a genetic carrier screening test prior to your pregnancy. This helps access your child's risks for many genetic disorders that can affect their quality of life.

Knowing this information will also help potential parents make an informed decision regarding having a child and the options available in the event there are genetic risks for your future offspring.

5. Who will help you raise your children?

The family structure in today's society comes in many forms. Though two-parent households are still the predominant environment for approximately 73.7 million U.S. children, single parent households still round up 23 percent of the population.

Consider who will be in your child's center of influence. Will grandparents and family members be involved? Will you plan to marry or remarry in the future if you're a single parent?

The saying "it takes a village" holds true to the cultivation and growth of a child. Every person that is in immediate contact with your child will have an effect on them whether it is positive or negative.

It will be up to you as the parent to decide what type of support you will need to create the ideal environment for your child's success.

These are just a few serious topics to consider when contemplating the idea of parenthood. Other factors to consider revolve around your lifestyle preferences, family structure and even around your own stability and well-being.

Just like with any other important decision, careful consideration and planning are key. Once the a child is here, there is no turning back.

What are other things have you have considered before entering the world of parenthood?

The post 5 serious questions to ask yourself before having children appeared first on FamilyToday.