Father’s Day is coming up, and with everything going on in the world, we could use a day to celebrate the special fathers in our lives. This Fathers’ day will be extra special in our house as we have added our new addition, little Miss Demi. For me, Father’s Day is a big deal. I try to make sure Jarrod feels as special as possible. Growing up, I never got a chance to celebrate Father’s Day with my dad, at least not one that I can remember. For this very reason, I need to make sure that Jarrod gets all the love from not just Dallas on this special day but from me as well. Being a dad is special, but being a girl dad can take being special to a whole new level. Girls make dads peel back layers they never knew were there, somewhat like a banana. Men always want to be strong and the “enforcer,” but they show their weak spots with their girls. They tell fathers what they want, how they feel, and who’s doing what, and fathers go with it.  

Watching Jarrod with Dallas and Demi is absolutely amazing! They literally climb all over him like he’s a jungle gym, and he takes it. I always call Dallas his shadow, and I’m slowly starting to see Demi follow suit(I’m rolling my eyes right now). Now don’t get me wrong, when this is sometimes happening, I get jealous, but that fatherless little girl taps me on the shoulder and lets me know it’s okay. Even though I’m jealous from time to time, I appreciate the relationship Jarrod and my girls have, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

This Fathers’ day, I took some time to sit down with Jarrod and really get into the good stuff of what it’s like raising girls. I wanted to see what’s changed from last year. Check out how the conversation went below. 

MS. What is it like going from one daughter to two?

JJ. After having Dallas, I found myself not having to be a macho man all the time, and instead, I learned how to be sensitive, loving, and compassionate. She had me wrapped around her finger since the first time I saw her, and I didn’t think I could be any more vulnerable, but Demi came along and was determined to prove that theory wrong. It’s great seeing their bond, and I’m sure Dallas will be teaching her the ropes of how to manipulate daddy’s soft spots.

MS. What is it like being a girl dad?

JJ. Being a girl dad has taught me a lot. Knowing I have daughters, I want them to come to me for anything and not just daddy’s credit card to go shopping. Whether it’s oil changes or mounting the tv on their wall or fixing random things. I’ve found myself doing all types of DIY projects and handyman tasks that before I probably would have just ignored or paid someone to do. 

MS. If your girls were old enough to read this post, what would you want to say to them?

JJ. I want them to know they are capable of being whoever they want to be and doing whatever their hearts desire. they should know that they are blessed to have each other. As sisters, they have a best friend and someone they should always be able to go to to protect each other to talk to.

MS. Tell me what you love the most about the girls

JJ. I love how they look at me as their hero. I love how they curl up under me as if I can protect them from anything in the world. I love how they show unconditional love. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. 
MS. Let’s add a fun one in there and ask at what age can the girls date?

JJ. I would say never but I know GOD didn’t make men or women to be alone so I’m going to say 35.

I don’t want to be a controlling father and restrict them from living their lives, so if they feel ready to date by the age of 30, I will give them my blessing with no resistance.

I’m tough on Jarrod as a father because of what I didn’t have. The relationship that he has with our little girls is extremely important to me. It makes me happy to see that he embraces being a girl dad because in my eyes, and yes, they are a little biased; being a girl dad is like no other! Before I go, I want to make sure I say Happy Father’s Day to ALL the Father’s out there. While this tribute is related to my family and me, I want to make sure that I highlight all Fathers as well. Right now, being a parent is tough. We have to brace ourselves for tough conversations to prepare our children for the world, all while making them feel safe and protected in the same breath. With these uncertain times and the weight of the world on your shoulders, I want you to know you are doing a great job raising your children, and don’t ever for a second think otherwise.