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I am forever in debt to my father who was subjected to terrible behavior at the hands of my mother. As a consequence I was taken away from her before my second birthday. In all the years since my father did not utter one negative word to me in regard to my mother, and he could have filled my head with all kinds of dastardly stories. Instead I was left to comprehend my mother in good time and while we live in different countries, our relationship is good. She has been open and freely admits to being a bad mother, but I was old enough to understand her situation and not judge her harshly.

While it is difficult to raise a child without the presence of a female, it is not a point that should be labored. Concentrate on the positive aspect that you've created wonderful children and you have so much to offer them as a male.

If I can take a leaf out of my own situation, never cast the mother in a bad light, if she isn't around as a result of the relationship breaking up. Allow your daughters to discover their mother in their own time and make educated decisions. If the male has been left widowed, there will be a great deal of pain, but you'll have the memory of a wonderful life to rekindle with your daughters. Talk regularly about their mother and give them a sense that their mother is an influence in their lives, despite not being present. All children love hearing stories about their infancy and how cute they were as a baby.

It is still very important to provide a feminine influence in your daughter's lives, as a healthy balance needs to be struck. There are delicate subjects that can only be relayed by a responsible female. It's best to encourage a woman you trust to become close to your family circle. This may be a relative or even your new partner, preferably a long term acquaintance whom your daughter's respect. Choose this person carefully, as she will be fulfilling an important role and offering that touch of feminine advice when needed.

Your daughters may seek womanly counsel for themselves. This is okay, as long as you know the person and approve of their involvement in your daughter's lives. Many women will impact on your daughters lives automatically, be it their teachers, mothers of friends or neighbors. A variety of inspirations can be good for young girls, as long as you accept the person and talk to them separately about the role they're playing in your daughter's lives. Open lines of communication will benefit all and promote a healthy upbringing.

Children have a great ability in overcoming adversity, so always display an optimistic attitude and your behavior will rub off onto your children. Consequently a very special father/daughter relationship will be forged that you will all treasure.

Learn more about this author, Peter Robertson.
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