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Devotionals by Dr. James Dobson

Fathers and Daughters

I ask that we love one another.
2 John 1:5

If you have a daughter, Dad, one of your primary tasks is to set the tone for her future relationships with men. If you are warm and nurturing, she’ll eventually look for a husband with similar qualities. If you communicate that she’s beautiful and feminine, she’ll be inclined to see herself that way. If you blend love and discipline in a way that conveys strength, your daughter will be more comfortable with a give-and-take marriage characterized by mutual respect. But if you reject your daughter, she’s likely to spend her life trying to find a man who can meet the needs you never fulfilled in her heart.

One wonderful way to build up your daughter is to take her on regular “dates,” which can begin even in the preschool years and extend to the teens. Let her help plan these outings. Then open doors for her, help her with her chair, and listen attentively when she speaks. Treat her with the same consideration and respect that Scripture prescribes for your wife (1 Peter 3:7). You’ll create a feeling of self-worth and begin to establish her standards for a husband, if she chooses to marry. We can’t imagine a better wedding present for a father to give his precious daughter.

Before you say good night…

  • How would you describe your relationship with your daughter?
  • What is your daughter’s current attitude toward men?
  • What can you do better to prepare your daughter for a successful marriage?

(father) Heavenly Father, I want my daughter(s) to know how much I love and value her. Let my every word and deed encourage her today and help shape her into the woman You want her to be. Amen.

Listen to today's broadcast of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk at OnePlace.com.  For more from Dr. Dobson, visit the resource center at drjamesdobson.org.

This devotional is taken from Night Light for Parents. Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reservedUsed with permission.

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About Family Talk Videos

Family Talk is a Christian non-profit organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the ministry promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child-development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served millions of families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books and other resources available on demand via its website, mobile apps, and social media platforms.


The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI) is a Christian non-profit organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded initially as Family Talk in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the ministry promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child-development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books, and other resources available on demand via its website, mobile apps, and social media platforms. In 2017, the ministry rebranded under JDFI to expand its four core ministry divisions consisting of Family Talk, the Dobson Policy and Education Centers, and the Dobson Digital Library.


Dr. Dobson's flagship program, "Family Talk," is aired on more than 1,300 terrestrial radio outlets and numerous digital channels that reach millions of people each month.

About Dr. James Dobson

Dr. James Dobson is the Founder and President of Family Talk, a nonprofit organization that produces his radio program, "Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk." He is the author of more than 30 books dedicated to the preservation of the family, including The New Dare to Discipline, Love for a Lifetime, Life on the Edge, Love Must Be Tough, The New Strong-Willed Child, When God Doesn't Make Sense, Bringing Up Boys, Marriage Under Fire, Bringing Up Girls, Head Over Heels and, most recently, Your Legacy: The Greatest Gift.


Dr. Dobson served as an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine for 14 years and on the attending staff of Children's Hospital of Los Angeles for 17 years. He has been active in governmental affairs and has advised five U.S. presidents on family matters. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California (1967) in the field of child development. He holds 17 honorary doctoral degrees, and was inducted in 2008 into The National Radio Hall of Fame. Dr. Dobson recently received the following awards: Winston Churchill Lifetime Achievement Award from the Faith & Freedom Coalition (2017), Daniel Award from AZ Christian University (2016), and the Defender of Life Award from the Justice Foundation (2015).


Dr. Dobson is married to Shirley and they have two grown children, Danae and Ryan, and two grandchildren. The Dobsons reside in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Contact Family Talk Videos with Dr. James Dobson

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Phone Number
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