In August of last year, my life once again took a dramatic turn. In addition to my two sons, my daughter, Violet Rose, was born. Not uncommon to most parents, I had an immediate sense of pride and love for my daughter. I also sensed a limitless potential in her and felt she could accomplish anything she set her mind to.
In the United States, there are opportunities open to women which were not available in the past. Many options are present from an academic and vocational perspective. Today, women can become CEOs of company, serve in active military roles, and establish themselves as sports stars to name a few. Women have progressed greatly in their rights, privileges, and what they can do in society. However, there still are certain barriers and issues women face in this society. My job as a parent and as a father is to reinforce to my daughter that she should follow her dreams and not be dissuaded. A glass ceiling is only made of glass and can be broken.
I have a vast respect for women based on my personal and professional experiences. Personally, my wife is able to do amazing things and is truly the bedrock of our family. Professionally, some of the best leaders I had the privilege of working under were women. These experiences shape the fatherhood approach I will take with my daughter.
Fathers can and should be very influential in their daughter’s life. Particularly, a father can play a pivotal role in ensuring she develops a healthy self-esteem, is confident, does not place limitations on herself, and commands respect. As a father, I am tasked with showing her how a man should treat her so that she does not settle for less than she deserves. I set the standard. I will set the standard.
Daughter, be of good comfort; your faith has made you whole. -Matthew 9:22
If I am going to wager what Violet will be like when she is older, I would say she will be tenacious, disciplined, confident, inspirational, strong, independent, and ultimately successful. I will give her the same parenting, discipline, and motivation as I give my sons to ensure she is not limited in anything she can do. As an example, I can reference my father in law and the great job he did in setting a positive male example for my wife.
While I am away from home during much of the week due to my job and the associated commute, I find myself looking at pictures of baby Violet in the quiet moments. I hope she is not in a hurry to grow up and enjoys being a baby and then a child. I look at Violet and see my past, present, and future. She is going to do amazing things one day.
-Jonathan Ozovek
