Show What dads can do to give daughters a jump on By BEverv Month USA WEEKEND Gives Gloria Welles Move over mom Behind many of today's successful working women stands a dad urging his daughter to supportive pave an independent path Dad's vital influence will be a hot topic this week at the annual meeting of the Association American in Psychological DC Washington A highlight: Psychologist Lora Heims will discuss her study of 48 Tessman women who graduated in 1965 and 1975 Institute of Techfrom the Massachusetts nology Tessman found that most of the women formed early strong bonds with their fathers She also found that the fathers encouraged their daughters to try new activities so that they gained confidence and the courage to be "Fathers are as important as mothers but each serves a different purpose" says Carol Michaels a psychologist at the Postgraduate Center for Mental Health in New York City "Daughters want to identify with their mothers but they want to please their fathers" Michaels says "They are unconsciously asking themselves 'How can I be someone he'd like? " What can fathers do to help their daughters grow up with positive feelings about themselves as women? Here's what the psychologists say: From a very early age show warmth and affection toward your daughter just as you would your son about age 3 a little girl "Beginning wants to offer her love in a seriously playful fashion" says Tessman At that age like to they hug and kiss and tickle but beneath the play they are seeking affection "If her father doesn't allow her to be loving to him he leaves in doubt her concept of herself as a feminine person" don't be Appreciate her femininity frightened by it "A lot of fathers become afraid and anxious when their daughters adolescence" Michaels says approach "Often they deny it with unrealistic curfews by not allowing them to wear makeup or putting down their boyfriends" Don't get locked into sex stereotypes and exclude your daughter from certain activities or intellectual pursuits because she's a girl Researchers have found that successful women usually have mentors who encourage them to pursue their own goals and their first mentor typically is their own father B Don't treat your daughter like a wife or girlfriend burdening her with all your struggles This can be very scary for her But sharing your life openly and honestly with your daughter can create a special closeness USA Weekend "August 1986 19 You The Video Page You'll Want To Save The first weekend of each month you get a fast forward look at the hottest in home video with USA WEEKEND'S offers you video page Now USA WEEKEND clipnd-sav- e the perfect place to collect those pages and create your own personalized video catalog Attractively designed in sturdy vinyl USA WEEKEND'S video binder is a handy organized just the way you want it And at only $295 way to keep your video-fil- e makes a great gift item So order one or two today! taHiM mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm ——————- - mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm Send me USA WEEKEND video binder(s) for only $295 each postage and handling included (Michigan residents add 4 sales tax) Send check or money order (no cash please) made payable to USA WEEKEND: YES! USA WEEKEND PO Box 426 County Road 687 Hartford Michigan Name 49057 Address City State Zip M T — — it |