Learning about being a Dad

I'm currently reading Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Meg Meeker, M.D. and I thought I would share a few passages. I've really enjoyed the book so far. It has been enlightening but also very humbling to see what kind of role Dad makes in his Daughter's life. Here are some quotes from the chapter titled "Teach Her Humility."

"Many parents roll their eyes at the word humility. We associate it with weakness, and we don't want our daughters to be weak or easily manipulated. We want them strong, self-sufficient, and independent. We want them to have self-esteem. These days, humility is a politically incorrect virtue.
But genuine humility is the starting point for every other virtue. Humility means having a proper perspective on ourselves, of seeing ourselves as we really are. It also means knowing that every person has equal worth.
Teaching your daughter humility is vital but tricky. You can't simply tell her that she's the same as her brother, the homeless woman on the street, and everyone else. Your daughter needs to feel unique and important in your eyes.
Teaching humility will demand more of you as a father than that. Humility doesn't make sense unless it is modeled. If you want your daughter to love reading, you must read. If you want her to be athletic, go for a run. The same is true with humility. If you live it, she will get it. Remember, she is a dry sponge following you around, waiting to see what you think, feel, and do." (pg. 77-78)

"From what I've seen in my office, the evidence is overwhelming: girls who are emotionally solid and intellectually and morally sound are girls with humility, who understand that they have to fit into the family, and that the family doesn't orbit around them.
What many parents don't realize is that giving in to a daughter's selfishness puts enormous pressure on her. When she's the focus, when she has the power to maneuver family schedules, vacations, or finances, when she has to decide what innumerable possibilities might make her happier, she becomes not only selfish but neurotic. Your daughter really doesn't want that much power. She's a kid. You're the dad. You should decide. You should set the priorities. When you bring realism into her life, you bring her comfort because you bring limits. When you teach her always to think about other people, to put herself in their shoes, to know that everyone-her friends, neighbors, and sister and brother-is important, you'll give her the gift of friendship and living to the fullest as a caring, social being.
If you teach your daughter to be good rather than simply happy, she will become both. Teaching your daughter humility is a wonderful gift. And it can be taught only by example" (pg. 91-92)