Men, if you had a daughter interested in your activities, would you teach her those skills too?

Question

Let's say you're a fisherman, hunter, auto mechanic, etc. Instead of a son, you have a daughter. However, she's closer to you than mom, shows interest in those activities and she seems good at it. Would you teach her too?

My workplace manager (female) learned how to shoot when she was kid. Her father taught her. She was the first girl in the family to learn how to shoot. Someone else thought that was rough and weird for a little girl to learn. Her father was all for equality and had no gender preference in teaching his child useful skills, esp if the child shows interest.

Saramad_Hill · Accepted Answer

I don't have a child, I'm not sure I'll ever have that chance. I'm not financially ready, probably never will be. On top of that, I'm just pretty bad at dating. Having kids seems like a luxury sometimes, and a headache at other times. So... while I don't think I'll ever pass my genes down, that doesn't mean I can't imagine how I'd be as a father. (Plus there's always adoption if I get financially set.)

I don't abide by gender roles, full stop. I don't mind seeing manly men or feminine women, or people in-between. Defining what a human being is allowed to do or learn solely by their birth sex or preferred gender is incredibly stifling. Men, women, and intersex people are capable of whatever they set their minds to, or at least they're welcome to try, in my book. People who are passionate or curious about something can become quite good at it, and sometimes they go on to be experts in that field.

Let's say I have a daughter and she wants to learn about cars, and is excited to do so. Telling her no would invalidate her feelings, and breed resentment. And if it doesn't, then maybe she'll internalize the belief-- "Daddy's usually right about stuff-- maybe I really can't do the things I want to do. Maybe I'm broken, or worthless. Maybe girls should just stick to cooking and cleaning because we're not always strong, that's what grandpa said, at least."

Of course, I'm using a pretty extreme example there, but the point is you should be encouraging your kids to figure out what their passions are. Passions make life worth living, among other things. That doesn't mean I'd be happy to support every single hobby, sometimes they're dangerous and I'd just tell them to study it instead and think more about it when they're older.

But, I'm not a parent, and I don't plan to speak on behalf of other dads out there. I'm just saying if there's no harm, then bond with your kid regardless of what they look like or what you think they can actually do. Strict gender roles hold people back. Again, it's okay to lean into masculine or feminine ways of being, but there's no need to limit someone to one or the other. I'd like to think we're capable of more than binary ways of thinking. They could try it out and decide they don't like it, as well. Life's about embracing change.

Keyboardkat · Accepted Answer

Having a skill has nothing to do with gender roles! A girl can learn to fish, or to shoot, or to fix cars, and still be feminine! You know, there was a time when it was thought a little girl could not aspire to become a doctor. The best she could do was become a nurse. (By the way, today nurses are highly respected and well paid, and if they become nurse-practitioners, they can prescribe medications and do other things that only doctors were allowed to do in the past). Today, it is common and accepted that we have female doctors! Some of these old biases are just ridiculous!

WhitneySnow · Accepted Answer

I think this is a great idea and I hope a lot of guys answer yes.

SimpleGirl07 · Accepted Answer

I think both is good. You’s learn from each other.

Orion84 · Answer

Of course I would, and I would be proud to do so.

I would happily teach her everything I know, and I'd work with her to go beyond, and learn the things I don't know, anything she wants. I'd teach her to shoot, fix cars, electrical work, anything she wants.

OneViewpoint · Answer

Absolutely. I have two sons. Always wanted a daughter as well but, it didn't happen. She would have been included in everything until she decided it wasn't for her. Just like my sons were raised. Karate, soccer, fishing, skiing, baseball, backpacking, etc.

MrOracle · Answer

Yes, of course. I taught my neices how to shoot, and one of them how to fish, and how to water ski. I would teach them anything they wanted to learn that I can do, as long as they took it seriously.

My nephew was much more interested in vintage audio gear (turntables, vinyl, and cassettes), so that's what I taught him. He wasn't interested in shooting.

exitseven · Answer

My daughter was the one that was most interested in computers. I used to show her a lot of things and my sons were really not interested

lightbulb27 · Answer

Of course! I'm envious of the guys that got their daughter into what I was into. My step D is into guitar and singing and it's great to see the old rusting guitars put to use by new gen.

AnonAndrew · Answer

Yeah, of course I'd teach her if she were interested. :)

Regular_Normal_Guy · Answer

Yeah! I would teach her anything she wants to know

RingOfFire · Answer

Sure why not. Whatever she is interested in I'd be happy to teach her.

Anonymous · Answer

Of course. I have all sisters. My father taught us all how to hunt and fish. I like to think I'd be like my father.

jahaims · Answer

I teach my daughter the same things I teach my son. They have both experienced many of my hobbies.

Nightmoon23 · Answer

Of course having a daughter that wants to do that stuff I do would be amazing

seeyounexttuesday · Answer

Of course. My daughter is active in my favorite hobby.

dinojames22 · Answer

Same but with more of an emphasis on being self reliant so she would not need a guy to make her happy

mr_moustache · Answer

I would teach but i would also give importance to protect her girly side

HungTexan · Answer

I’d definitely teach her just like a son.

Iron_Man · Answer

Yes of course why would I deny her

MikeRJ · Answer

Why not? It would be good bonding.

Bklynbadboy12 · Answer

Sure i would. What are you interested in learning

jackramada · Answer

Yes, I would gladly teach and be proud.

Professor-college · Answer

Of course i would. It would be my pleasure

WindAtMyBack · Answer

Absolutely.

Anonymous · Answer

Of course I would

Spencer10 · Answer

Absolutely.

Wise4myage · Answer

Yes of course.

beefcakebradybatson · Answer

Sure.

Rohaan2020 · Answer

Yes why not

Anonymous · Answer

Of course.

Men, if you had a daughter interested in your activities, would you teach her those skills too?

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Men, if you had a daughter interested in your activities, would you teach her those skills too?

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Guys: what is one important thing you would teach your daughter (s)?

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