3-5

STAGE 4:  Age 3-5 – Socialization

Defining factor:  She learns to socialize (how to act in public), gains friends, and learns how she fits into her family (is she loved and important) and how she fits into the world (her self esteem).

Observations From 101 Dads of Daughters

  • This is such a fun age. 
  • I loved my conversations with my daughter.
  • Daughters say amazing things.
  • My daughter loves drama.
  • The divorce was rough on her.
  • Young kids are like sponges.
  • Every child is different when it comes to potty training.
  • My daughter was in a hurry to grow up.
  • Little kids go exploring and sometimes get lost.
  • I had to make time for my daughter.
  • Dads need to be patient—but sometimes it’s tough.
  • And then—there were those amazingly fun moments with her.

  

WHEN SHE SAID THAT—I KIND OF BROKE DOWN

“[When my mom died my daughter] Iman was probably four years old, so she knew something had happened.  We were coming back from the grave site and she said, ‘Dad, I know you’re sad because your mom died, but I’m still here.’

And I tell you, up until that point I was holding it together really well.  But when she said that, I just… I just kind of broke down.  Yeah.”

Darryl, forty-seven year old business executive, father of seventeen year old son and fourteen year old daughter