What do you think?
Rate this book
52 Things
52 Things Daughters Need from Their Dads: What Fathers Can Do to Build a Lasting Relationship
Most dads love their daughters, but they're uncertain how they can show that love in a way their daughters understand...or figure out what their girls really need from them.
Jay Payleitner has given thousands of dads great, man-friendly advice in his bestselling 52 Things Kids Need from a Dad. Now Jay guides his readers into what is unexplored territory for many of them--girl land--giving them ways to...
Dads will feel respected and encouraged--not made to feel guilty--and they'll gain confidence to initiate activities that build lifelong positives into their girls. Great gift or men's group resource.
Jay Payleitner has given thousands of dads great, man-friendly advice in his bestselling 52 Things Kids Need from a Dad. Now Jay guides his readers into what is unexplored territory for many of them--girl land--giving them ways to...
Dads will feel respected and encouraged--not made to feel guilty--and they'll gain confidence to initiate activities that build lifelong positives into their girls. Great gift or men's group resource.
Audio CD
First published January 30, 2013
43 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Jay Payleitner
60 books32 followersJay Payleitner spent a decade in major market advertising. Learning how people think and doing some fun work. Including creating TV spots for Midway Airlines, Kroger, and Corona Beer. And heading up the creative team that named "SunChips."
But God called him into Christian media. And he became an almost-too-busy freelance producer. For more than a decade, Jay scripted and produced Josh McDowell Radio, Today's Father, Jesus Freaks Radio with TobyMac and Michael Tait, Project Angel Tree with Chuck Colson, and thousands of hours of radio that aired across the country and beyond.
Jay is a long-time affiliate with the National Center for Fathering and nationally-known motivational speaker for Iron Sharpens Iron, marriage conferences, men's retreats, women's events, writers' conferences, and weekend services.
Jay has sold more than half million books including the bestselling 52 Things Kids Need from a Dad and What If God Wrote Your Bucket List? His latest -- and perhaps most important release -- is The Jesus Dare.
This June, Waterbrook/Multnomah is releasing the surprising book, The Prayer of Agur.
Jay's books have been translated into French, German, Spanish, Italian, Afrikaans, Indonesian, Slovenian, Polish, and Russian.
He has been a guest multiple times on The Harvest Show, 100 Huntley Street, Moody Radio, Building Relationships with Gary Chapman, Cornerstone TV, and Focus on the Family.
Jay and his high school sweetheart, Rita, live in the Chicago area where they’ve raised five great kids, loved on ten foster babies, and are cherishing grandparenthood.
But God called him into Christian media. And he became an almost-too-busy freelance producer. For more than a decade, Jay scripted and produced Josh McDowell Radio, Today's Father, Jesus Freaks Radio with TobyMac and Michael Tait, Project Angel Tree with Chuck Colson, and thousands of hours of radio that aired across the country and beyond.
Jay is a long-time affiliate with the National Center for Fathering and nationally-known motivational speaker for Iron Sharpens Iron, marriage conferences, men's retreats, women's events, writers' conferences, and weekend services.
Jay has sold more than half million books including the bestselling 52 Things Kids Need from a Dad and What If God Wrote Your Bucket List? His latest -- and perhaps most important release -- is The Jesus Dare.
This June, Waterbrook/Multnomah is releasing the surprising book, The Prayer of Agur.
Jay's books have been translated into French, German, Spanish, Italian, Afrikaans, Indonesian, Slovenian, Polish, and Russian.
He has been a guest multiple times on The Harvest Show, 100 Huntley Street, Moody Radio, Building Relationships with Gary Chapman, Cornerstone TV, and Focus on the Family.
Jay and his high school sweetheart, Rita, live in the Chicago area where they’ve raised five great kids, loved on ten foster babies, and are cherishing grandparenthood.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 18, 2025
Nice reminders that much of what is forgotten in parenting ultimately comes down to caring about "the little things."
It's quaint but I found it to be a tad corny.
It's quaint but I found it to be a tad corny.
August 20, 2023
Great advice for Christian men with daughters on navigating fatherhood during the most formative years of a girl's life. The advice in this book primarily targets those adolescent years that are particularly challenging for parents.
Throughout the book the author uses biblical scripture and promotes the belief that pleasing God comes first and foremost.
The author includes ideas on ways to spend time with our daughters and how to address challenges that arise in a fallen world. The author illustrates these topics with experiences with his own daughter and those of other fathers.
Throughout the book the author uses biblical scripture and promotes the belief that pleasing God comes first and foremost.
The author includes ideas on ways to spend time with our daughters and how to address challenges that arise in a fallen world. The author illustrates these topics with experiences with his own daughter and those of other fathers.
October 30, 2023
This is, mostly, a Christian book, addressed to Christian fathers, and so offering parenting advices fitting in with Christian values. As I'm not a Christian myself (I'm just interested in fatherhood and what other fathers have to bring to the table, especially when fathering girls), there were, obviously, some passages and stances that I didn't agree with e.g. I'm not against pre-marital sex (I don't encourage it either -to each their own); I don't believe that getting married and starting a family ought to be the sole end goal of a life, and so that it ought to be suited to everyone (although marriage and family are my personal core values too); I certainly won't make Bible readings part of our daily routine (but I read other stuff with my children) etc.
Nevertheless, disagreements and priorities aside, this book remains inspiring. Children needs fathers, and girls especially needs strong male role model into their lives; if only to know what does it mean to be valued for who they are, what it means to be treated with respect, and so know how to assert themselves so. More to the point: if (as the author does, and as I do too) you value character and family, then the type of dad that you are will, not only help your daughter(s)' character building, but, also, set expectations as to the type of men she/ they will want to date. It's a responsibility.
My only issue, here, is that I expected something more 'scientific', a list of key features that men are more likely to bring than women/ mothers. There's a bit of that, but, overall, it reads more like a biographical account of the personal experiences that the author had raising his daughter, and that he uses as a template to inspire others. It's not a bad thing (again: 'inspire' is the key word), but if you're looking for something more 'substantial', then this might not be it.
Nevertheless, disagreements and priorities aside, this book remains inspiring. Children needs fathers, and girls especially needs strong male role model into their lives; if only to know what does it mean to be valued for who they are, what it means to be treated with respect, and so know how to assert themselves so. More to the point: if (as the author does, and as I do too) you value character and family, then the type of dad that you are will, not only help your daughter(s)' character building, but, also, set expectations as to the type of men she/ they will want to date. It's a responsibility.
My only issue, here, is that I expected something more 'scientific', a list of key features that men are more likely to bring than women/ mothers. There's a bit of that, but, overall, it reads more like a biographical account of the personal experiences that the author had raising his daughter, and that he uses as a template to inspire others. It's not a bad thing (again: 'inspire' is the key word), but if you're looking for something more 'substantial', then this might not be it.
November 15, 2024
This is a guidance book for dads on how they can be better parents to their daughters and better role models for parenting. The author Jay Payleitner write books on various relationships covering the plain truth about each kind of relationship and how it could be improved or rectified or saved from destruction.
Analysis:
The book just threw facts at me. It is a good read for new and potential fathers and also for fathers who are looking to improve their relationships with their daughters. Although the approach of this book technically starts when the daughter is young so that you can instill these qualities quite early on, which will not only improve the father - daughter relationship but, will also impact the daughter in her personal growth, since a father is a person who brings in discipline and safety for a young woman in her life. This kind of relationship is the stepping stone for women to understand the men in their life as well as build confidence and better understanding of her own emotions and troubles.
Fathers play a very big role on building the self worth of their daughters. Their relationship with their partners are the ideal kind of relationship they tend to also look for in the future partners.
Honest opinion:
Most of the book covers the approach from a young girl approach, where your instilling these qualities way ahead in your little angel’s life. But what about when your parenting is already fuvked up? Is there a small way where the relationship could be improved. What are the possible difficulties and how to tackle them? How can daughters take the lead to improve their father - daughter relationship?
Overall a good therapy book if you want to understand the possible relationship between a daughter and father.
Analysis:
The book just threw facts at me. It is a good read for new and potential fathers and also for fathers who are looking to improve their relationships with their daughters. Although the approach of this book technically starts when the daughter is young so that you can instill these qualities quite early on, which will not only improve the father - daughter relationship but, will also impact the daughter in her personal growth, since a father is a person who brings in discipline and safety for a young woman in her life. This kind of relationship is the stepping stone for women to understand the men in their life as well as build confidence and better understanding of her own emotions and troubles.
Fathers play a very big role on building the self worth of their daughters. Their relationship with their partners are the ideal kind of relationship they tend to also look for in the future partners.
Honest opinion:
Most of the book covers the approach from a young girl approach, where your instilling these qualities way ahead in your little angel’s life. But what about when your parenting is already fuvked up? Is there a small way where the relationship could be improved. What are the possible difficulties and how to tackle them? How can daughters take the lead to improve their father - daughter relationship?
Overall a good therapy book if you want to understand the possible relationship between a daughter and father.
March 30, 2019
This book is excellent for any father of any number of daughters. It lays out some great, real-world, relatable, and thought-provoking insights that are equal parts wise and common sense. Many of the pointers are heartwarming, some of them eye-opening. The author even includes some great examples and experiences from the childhood of his own daughter. I won't go so far as to say that every father NEEDS to read this...but I'm confident any who does will be blessed by having done so.
July 16, 2017
Decent book. Lots of great ways to make memories with your daughters. Quite a few things were common sense but then maybe they aren’t common sense to everyone. Great read for reminders and for new ideas for ways to build a stronger relationship with your girl(s).
January 21, 2019
This book contains some cute, positive ideas and can certainly help dads better encourage their daughters. Some of the ideas are a bit hokey, though, and there are probably too many personal anecdotes.
May 8, 2018
Very good ideas to try. Attempts to cover from birth to marriage. Hopefully some of them work.
December 7, 2021
This should be required reading for any parent. Not perfect but amazing none the less. Scared me for the future but I needed the scare to realize what I need to tweak in my parenting.
December 10, 2023
This is an excellent book. In fact, I would gift it to my future husband as a surprise, if we were to find out it's a girl. 💕
March 25, 2013
As a father of a 4-year-old girl, sometimes I worry about her future. I wonder if I am doing the right thing. I know I’m to raise her in the teaching and admonition of the Lord, but what about the details? I was never a girl, so how do I know how to answer the tough questions or deal with the tough issues that I know are coming? It can be a very scary ordeal, but one I want to get right. I love my daughter with all of my heart and want to get as much advice as I can.
Fortunately, Jay Payleitner, the author of 52 Things Daughters Need from Their Dads, knows the same fears and concerns and has great advice for fathers of daughters of all ages.
The part I love most about this book is how Jay writes. He writes like I imagine he talks; very informal and personable. And, it is how I would talk, too. I could relate to his points, his stories, and his fears. I connected with him very quickly and felt like he was talking straight to me about my daughter.
The advice given is wonderful. Jay has taken time to interview many daughters (including his own, grown daughter) and fathers to get input. He also references scripture frequently to support his points. I really enjoyed hearing the thoughts of grown daughters remembering their childhood and their fathers. The advice they give is very poignant and eye opening. Many of the points he makes are things I would not have thought of in raising my own daughter. It was good to hear their opinions and have it backed up by scripture.
I highly recommend this book to any father raising a daughter. It was eye opening, reassuring, and still scary all at the same time. Much like the thought of my baby girl growing up. I know she has to grow up, and it is exciting and scary at the same time. But, with the help of the Lord, and other fathers like Jay Payleitner, I think she will grow up to be a wonderful woman who loves the Lord…and her Daddy…very much.
Fortunately, Jay Payleitner, the author of 52 Things Daughters Need from Their Dads, knows the same fears and concerns and has great advice for fathers of daughters of all ages.
The part I love most about this book is how Jay writes. He writes like I imagine he talks; very informal and personable. And, it is how I would talk, too. I could relate to his points, his stories, and his fears. I connected with him very quickly and felt like he was talking straight to me about my daughter.
The advice given is wonderful. Jay has taken time to interview many daughters (including his own, grown daughter) and fathers to get input. He also references scripture frequently to support his points. I really enjoyed hearing the thoughts of grown daughters remembering their childhood and their fathers. The advice they give is very poignant and eye opening. Many of the points he makes are things I would not have thought of in raising my own daughter. It was good to hear their opinions and have it backed up by scripture.
I highly recommend this book to any father raising a daughter. It was eye opening, reassuring, and still scary all at the same time. Much like the thought of my baby girl growing up. I know she has to grow up, and it is exciting and scary at the same time. But, with the help of the Lord, and other fathers like Jay Payleitner, I think she will grow up to be a wonderful woman who loves the Lord…and her Daddy…very much.
April 12, 2013
Great book with lots of helpful ideas on how fathers can show their love to their daughters in ways that are meaningful to her.
52 chapters and amazingly 52 weeks in a year! Why not listen or read one chapter on the same day each week and look for ways to apply the "take away" points with your daughter/s during the next week.
Lots of wisdom and practical advise gleaned from the author and narrator of the audiobook Jay Payleitner, who has a regular radio segment on fathering that is played on hundreds of radio stations around the US.
Every dad should read this book - a number of times - no matter what age your daughter is. There is advise for fathers who have daughter from ages 3 to 30 and beyond.
Unfortunatley, I am afraid, most men will not buy this book and read it, let alone put into practice the things contained in it's pages. So mums, you may need to buy this book and have your daughter give it to her dad for father's day or his birthday. A bit of a dirty trick - I know, but the end will justify the means.
The audio-book was read by the author, the right emphasis was given at the right times, and it is pleasant to listen to. Also, each chapter has it's own short MP3 file - making it easy to find the place that your are looking for without having to re-listen to the whole book again.
52 Things Daughters Need from Their Dads - Ebook
http://www.christianbook.com/Christia...
52 Things Daughters Need from Their Dads - MP3 Audiobook Download
http://christianaudio.com/review/prod...
52 chapters and amazingly 52 weeks in a year! Why not listen or read one chapter on the same day each week and look for ways to apply the "take away" points with your daughter/s during the next week.
Lots of wisdom and practical advise gleaned from the author and narrator of the audiobook Jay Payleitner, who has a regular radio segment on fathering that is played on hundreds of radio stations around the US.
Every dad should read this book - a number of times - no matter what age your daughter is. There is advise for fathers who have daughter from ages 3 to 30 and beyond.
Unfortunatley, I am afraid, most men will not buy this book and read it, let alone put into practice the things contained in it's pages. So mums, you may need to buy this book and have your daughter give it to her dad for father's day or his birthday. A bit of a dirty trick - I know, but the end will justify the means.
The audio-book was read by the author, the right emphasis was given at the right times, and it is pleasant to listen to. Also, each chapter has it's own short MP3 file - making it easy to find the place that your are looking for without having to re-listen to the whole book again.
52 Things Daughters Need from Their Dads - Ebook
http://www.christianbook.com/Christia...
52 Things Daughters Need from Their Dads - MP3 Audiobook Download
http://christianaudio.com/review/prod...
July 1, 2013
52 Things Daughters Need from their Dads isn't really a deeply spiritual book, but it was a good, easy reminder of what we should be doing with our daughters. I finished the book on my youngest's 2nd birthday, so I have plenty of time to put the ideas into practice. The book was filled with practical ways to raise, train and show your daughter that you love and care about her.
Some of my favorite quotes from the book were:
-"Your job, Dad, is to become a student of your daughter and bask in the challenge of discovering and guiding her toward her own very individual hopes and dreams...In the end, make sure that what she ends up pouring her time and effort into are 'her' things and not 'your' things." - p.35
-"When your daughter invites you to do anything, do it. Drop what you're doing. Rearrange your schedule. Make her request to spend time with her daddy your biggest priority. This may be the only time she asks." - p.117
-"No matter what you need to be proud of her." - p.132
-"Dads set boundaries. Good dads protect them fiercely. Great dads equip their daughter to set her own personal boundaries." - p.185
Some of my favorite quotes from the book were:
-"Your job, Dad, is to become a student of your daughter and bask in the challenge of discovering and guiding her toward her own very individual hopes and dreams...In the end, make sure that what she ends up pouring her time and effort into are 'her' things and not 'your' things." - p.35
-"When your daughter invites you to do anything, do it. Drop what you're doing. Rearrange your schedule. Make her request to spend time with her daddy your biggest priority. This may be the only time she asks." - p.117
-"No matter what you need to be proud of her." - p.132
-"Dads set boundaries. Good dads protect them fiercely. Great dads equip their daughter to set her own personal boundaries." - p.185
April 8, 2013
I thought this was quite a cute audio in places, with lovely stories of how Dads can bring great joy to their daughters throughout both their lives. The author's narration is perfect with a rich mature voice adding extra weight to his own experiences which his shares openly with the listener. I really liked the quotes from both scripture and other sources at the end of each chapter or 'need' as they summed up the topic nicely. As there are 52 'needs' I would recommend listening to each one individually, possibly throughout the year as a type of devotional, rather than in one large chunk, as I got a bit of idea overload listening to this. I think this would audio would actually work really well in a group situation and would be a lovely gift for new parents of a daughter and even for god-parents too. Thanks to christianaudio.com Reviewer's Program for the free copy.
January 19, 2014
Being the father of a child is no easy task. There are no manuals that come along with your baby and instinct as much as what you learned when you were growing up from your own parents kicks in. Having a daughter is even more challenging. Let's face it dads, we have no idea how to handle how a girl thinks or the drama that comes along with being a girl.
Jay Payleitner provides very insightful and biblical advice for building and strengthening a relationship with your daughter. His ideas are very practical and in some cases are literally common sense. I enjoyed the approach taken within the book to provide very short and sometimes humorous stories to simple ideas.
I would recommend this book to any father who is looking for ideas on building a strong long term relationship with their daughter.
Jay Payleitner provides very insightful and biblical advice for building and strengthening a relationship with your daughter. His ideas are very practical and in some cases are literally common sense. I enjoyed the approach taken within the book to provide very short and sometimes humorous stories to simple ideas.
I would recommend this book to any father who is looking for ideas on building a strong long term relationship with their daughter.
November 25, 2012
The book is an informational advice book for Dads. I really enjoyed some of the bible scriptures that the author included in the book. This is one book that I do recommend for Dads who need some manly advice on how to connect with their daughters.
The book as a whole was written and sectioned easily as well an excellently done.
The book as a whole was written and sectioned easily as well an excellently done.
March 4, 2013
I received this book from Netgalley. Thank you so much!
I will not write a full review, as I'd have to go chapter by chapter and express my opinion. Truth is, I loved this book. It was insightful, it was full with good advice and even more awesome advice both for dads and moms of girls. I will definitely be buying it for my hubby for Father's day. He MUST read it.
I will not write a full review, as I'd have to go chapter by chapter and express my opinion. Truth is, I loved this book. It was insightful, it was full with good advice and even more awesome advice both for dads and moms of girls. I will definitely be buying it for my hubby for Father's day. He MUST read it.
February 15, 2014
Fitting that I would finish this book on Valentine's Day as my little girl FINALLY went to bed about an hour ago. A good read, and one that can be picked up at any point during a daughter's formative years and beyond.
hardcopy-review-to-read
February 14, 2013scheduled post: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
Want to read
April 13, 2013Want to get this one for my man to read. :-)
March 9, 2017
loved this book. Every God fearing God of a daughter should read it
April 30, 2014
Great book! Filled with challenges and simple truths that we often know but take for granted. I will reflect back on my notes in this book often.
July 29, 2014
Helpful book to stir the waters for dads.
January 16, 2015
What I liked best about the book was the ton of ideas it gives. This was given as a holiday present, and it was a terrific one!
June 17, 2015
Loved the thoughts and candor of the author. Teared me up and will be a great reference to create lasting memories and teaching opportunities with my daughters.
March 24, 2016
Great Book
May 9, 2020
Not bad
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews