Daddy and daughter - one of the strongest bonds in life.
And this precious relationship is a powerful first exposure to how you expect to be treated by men for the rest of your life.
Dads are also hugely important when it comes to a daughter's early self-worth.
And while Mums influence their children's outlook on life, it seems that when it comes to body image, it's Dads that help shape perception. And there is so much more.
Here are our favourite reasons why our bond with our dads is simply unbreakable:
1. Our biggest champion
Supportive dads will encourage and guide you throughout your life.
From carrying you so gently as a baby that they are afraid to break you, to swinging you onto their shoulders on long walks and everything else in between. They will sit in the car waiting for us as we get older and be a taxi service for all our playdates, discos and parties.
We know that no matter how long we take, or how much trouble we bring, dads remain our unwavering champion for all our lives.
2. Our hero
As a child, my dad always seemed superhuman.
He was my Superman, my Spiderman and my Batman all rolled into one. He did push-ups with us on his back and crawled on all-fours, probably for miles, with us perched on his back, lashing our imaginary whips and begging him to go faster.
I see my husband doing this with our children now and it always gives me a spark of joy and reminds me that we never forget our hero dads.
3. Our rock
My dad was the quiet voice of reason in our house during any crisis.
A broken curfew, a broken glass, a broken heart - he appraised the situation, bypassed the hysterics and once the dust had settled he usually doled out the best advice or just simply listened.
Sadly, my dad passed away a few years ago. I miss his calm and soothing demeanour - something I have definitely NOT inherited!
4. Our friend
I spend hours happily babbling away to my dad in the garden as a little girl.
What he lacked in chat, I made up for in buckets. It was a great dynamic. He dug and I watered. He pruned and I picked.
Our garden was a very special place for us and I think that very simple companionship that dads and daughters tend to have is really unique. I have a very different (and good) dynamic with my mum but I think there is a very special place in little girl's hearts for her dad.
5. Our fixer
In our house, growing up, my dad wore many hats. He was plumber, painter and electrician all mixed into one giant handyman. If anything broke we would just should DAD! and he would have it fixed that day. Equally, he was the best spider catcher I ever met - even though he was afraid of them.
6. Our biggest fan
He thought I could do no wrong and there are not many people in the world who hold you in such high regard.
I can say with no hesitation that he thought I was amazing, and he made me feel like the most wonderful person. My husband and children have taken over that role now, but I do admit I have times when I wish he could see me now and see his grandchildren - he would have been so proud.
Dads come in all shapes and sizes (dad bod anyone?) They embarrass you, they stick up for you, they guide you and their love gives you a huge headstart in life. We are part of a mutual fan club that transcends, well, most things.
As we get older, we begin to see strands of those memories appear through our partners and their bond with the children. The happy memories warm us once again - this time in a different way.
The bond we have with our dads is unique and beautiful and one I treasure greatly.
