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She Calls Me Daddy: Seven Things Every Man Needs to Know About Building a Complete Daughter
Football, toy trains, Erector sets . . . most fathers can relate to having a son. But what's a dad to do when he's invited for imaginary tea? Robert Wolgemuth's She Calls Me Daddy relates all the wonderful times that are waiting to be had for fathers with some special little ladies-their daughters. Focusing on seven things every man should know about raising a girl, it concentrates on specific areas of growth to reveal what a father can do to ensure she becomes the woman God wants her to be.
240 pages, Paperback
First published July 14, 1996
55 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Robert Wolgemuth
69 books28 followersROBERT WOLGEMUTH has been in the media business for thirty-nine years. He is former president of Thomas Nelson Publishers and the owner of Wolgemuth & Associates, Inc., a literary agency exclusively representing the writing work of more than one hundred authors. Dr. Wolgemuth is a speaker and best-selling author of over twenty books, including She Calls Me Daddy, the notes to the Dad's Devotional Bible, The Most Important Place on Earth, and What's in the Bible: The Story of God Through Time and Eternity, co-written with R. C. Sproul. He is a 1969 graduate of Taylor University, where he received an honorary doctorate in May 2005. Dr. Wolgemuth is married to Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth and has two grown daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 25, 2007
For a father of two boys suddenly confronted with a cute little girl, this book provides the opposite perspective from Bringing Up Boys. Lots of enlightenment here.
April 11, 2014
5 star advice in a 3 star book.
January 24, 2018
Title: She Calls Me Daddy
Author: Robert Wolgemuth
The book was about: This book was about the seven things that every man must know about raising and “building” a complete daughter. Robert Wolgemuth frames each chapter as if he was a carpenter or construction worker and was building a daughter. I liked this approach because it was his attempt at connecting to his audience that would be reading the book. The book goes through the basics of raising a daughter, but also goes through some specific examples of how raising a daughter would be different from that of a son.
I loved: I loved the fact that he has some great advice. I have 2 sons and his parenting advice really does stand up against the test of time. My sons are raised with a lot of the advice and techniques that he offers up and some that I hadn’t thought about before. Things I didn’t love: he often talks about why spanking is a good idea and why he feels that it is a successful way to discipline. I don’t agree with that, BUT it does not take away from the value of this book.
Reading this book made me wonder about: I really appreciated that the author has update the book. Sounds like he wrote the original before social media, texting and the like were a “thing”. So the fact that he went back through the book and rewrote many of the sections showed me how much he cares. I was wondering how his daughters are doing now, but he often references them and how they took this advice and transformed it for their families.
Overall, the book was: I give the book 4 stars out of 5!
Author: Robert Wolgemuth
The book was about: This book was about the seven things that every man must know about raising and “building” a complete daughter. Robert Wolgemuth frames each chapter as if he was a carpenter or construction worker and was building a daughter. I liked this approach because it was his attempt at connecting to his audience that would be reading the book. The book goes through the basics of raising a daughter, but also goes through some specific examples of how raising a daughter would be different from that of a son.
I loved: I loved the fact that he has some great advice. I have 2 sons and his parenting advice really does stand up against the test of time. My sons are raised with a lot of the advice and techniques that he offers up and some that I hadn’t thought about before. Things I didn’t love: he often talks about why spanking is a good idea and why he feels that it is a successful way to discipline. I don’t agree with that, BUT it does not take away from the value of this book.
Reading this book made me wonder about: I really appreciated that the author has update the book. Sounds like he wrote the original before social media, texting and the like were a “thing”. So the fact that he went back through the book and rewrote many of the sections showed me how much he cares. I was wondering how his daughters are doing now, but he often references them and how they took this advice and transformed it for their families.
Overall, the book was: I give the book 4 stars out of 5!
March 26, 2015
wonderful book. Every dad should read this no matter how old his daughter is!
November 6, 2021
I am a father of two boys and a new baby girl. From talking with my wife over the last 8 years, I have gotten the impression that my understanding of girls and women is a bit skewed. In this book, the author expertly shares his experience as a father of two girls, identifying 7 key areas to focus on in one's relationship with his daughter (or in my case, my wife, too): protection, conversation, affection, discipline, laughter, faith, and conduct. Great stories, practical advice (and not too many ideas), and fatherly exhortation.
A few of my key takeaways: the importance of spending time talking in the car or at a restaurant, or even just spending time together; good advice on dealing with suitors (interview them, but always approve); train your children how to respond when introduced to new people; consider giving more but lighter spankings rather than few and hard. That's probably not a very impressive list, but it is what I remember. A review of the book in the future is in order.
Note that I read the updated edition (2014 versus the original 1996), which I think includes quite a bit of revision based on his adult daughters' input (I think they might be grandparents themselves, now) and changes in technology in the home (cell phones and social media). I actually would take a more conservative stance about technology than he does, but he does provide some good and helpful advice and guidelines.
A few of my key takeaways: the importance of spending time talking in the car or at a restaurant, or even just spending time together; good advice on dealing with suitors (interview them, but always approve); train your children how to respond when introduced to new people; consider giving more but lighter spankings rather than few and hard. That's probably not a very impressive list, but it is what I remember. A review of the book in the future is in order.
Note that I read the updated edition (2014 versus the original 1996), which I think includes quite a bit of revision based on his adult daughters' input (I think they might be grandparents themselves, now) and changes in technology in the home (cell phones and social media). I actually would take a more conservative stance about technology than he does, but he does provide some good and helpful advice and guidelines.
February 14, 2025
This book offers solid advice but, at times, can be legalistic in creating specific rules. For example, the author states, "No single dating—one boy, one girl, one car—until she’s at least 16. Group dates or going to a school or church function before 16 are okay. Then after her 16th birthday, just know who the boys are." While this rule may not be wrong, there were moments in the book I felt that he was being too dogmatic and not focusing on principles but on rules.
My favorite chapter was the book's last section, where the author reminds all of his readers that we need the Lord to guide us through this process continually, but also, our daughters will learn more from our actions than our list of rules. One of my favorite quotes: "Here’s a pretty sobering thought: Your success as a dad will have far more to do with who you are than with how well you’re able to do certain things with and for your daughter. Ultimately, she will learn more by watching you than by listening to you—more from your example than from your teaching techniques."
My favorite chapter was the book's last section, where the author reminds all of his readers that we need the Lord to guide us through this process continually, but also, our daughters will learn more from our actions than our list of rules. One of my favorite quotes: "Here’s a pretty sobering thought: Your success as a dad will have far more to do with who you are than with how well you’re able to do certain things with and for your daughter. Ultimately, she will learn more by watching you than by listening to you—more from your example than from your teaching techniques."
June 24, 2025
This book was recommended to me. Written in the mid 90's, the language and scenarios sometimes do feel a bit dated. Further, the author does not get into much Biblical analysis until the final chapter. Personally, I would have preferred more of a look into the Biblical role of being a good Father and how I can emulate what we find in Scripture. However, this book really excelled in giving consistent, practical examples from the personal experience of the Father. How to make your child feel loved, seen, and cared for when we are so busy in this life. A good read, but I do not know that I would recommend it to others as I am sure there are much better resources about parenthood in the Christian sphere.
June 30, 2019
This book was recommended to me by a fellow pastor. While the book is marketed towards fathers of daughters, much of the parenting advice could equally be applied to sons and/or mothers. That being said, there is a special relationship that must be formed between a man and his daughter, and Wolgemuth seeks to highlight those areas.
I thought four stars was an adequate rating because (1) it was heavy on the personal stories and lacking in explicit biblical teaching, yet (2) it would still be a great book for fathers regardless of their religion. This would be a great book for any new dad.
I thought four stars was an adequate rating because (1) it was heavy on the personal stories and lacking in explicit biblical teaching, yet (2) it would still be a great book for fathers regardless of their religion. This would be a great book for any new dad.
December 26, 2019
This is a great book for Christian Dads of (a) Daughter(s) that want to be a better dad. It's a bit dated in certain stories or scenarios (Like technology) but overall it's applicable today as much as it was the time it was written.
Thankfully, I've already been working on how to be the best dad I can be, so there was not too many "new" things to learn, but plenty of affirmation as well as tips and tricks, to encourage me as I continue on my journey to, as the author put it, 'pass inspection'.
Thank you Robert for taking the time to pass on timeless advice.
Godspeed.
Thankfully, I've already been working on how to be the best dad I can be, so there was not too many "new" things to learn, but plenty of affirmation as well as tips and tricks, to encourage me as I continue on my journey to, as the author put it, 'pass inspection'.
Thank you Robert for taking the time to pass on timeless advice.
Godspeed.
December 13, 2019
It could be the direct applicability of this book for me in the stage of life I find myself currently, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found myself thinking of my young daughters throughout and looking for ways to better relate to and understand them. Ways to be a better dad and to help them grow in all things, especially in their love for Christ. I recommend this for any new (or veteran) dad. Very enjoyable read.
September 17, 2022
Excellent practical helps to raising daughters. His use of scripture to back up what he is writing is very helpful and I think this should be read by any father who desires to honor God in his love and care for their daughters.
December 10, 2025
All I wanna know is how many other titles were eliminated before Mr. Wolgemuth here decided that "She Calls Me Daddy" was the perfect choice.
Some of the advice in here was... something...
But 5 stars for how much I cried laughing while reading this book with my friends lollllll
Some of the advice in here was... something...
But 5 stars for how much I cried laughing while reading this book with my friends lollllll
September 11, 2021
Read 3/2020
I loved this book. Every dad should read this and I should read it again, and again. Excellent information!
I loved this book. Every dad should read this and I should read it again, and again. Excellent information!
May 18, 2023
A few good insights in this one. Similar to a lot other books like it
November 28, 2023
Good book for new dads who want to connect with their daughters from birth to adulthood.
January 27, 2025
THE book on parenting girls
April 14, 2025
Lots of great practical advice on how to raise wonderful daughters.
July 20, 2025
Like most of these types of books, this contains good things and silly things, but generally it was very good. Both an encouragement and call to do better. Would recommend.
June 24, 2008
All fathers worry about how to raise their daughters, mainly because a) we don't know what it's like to be a girl, and b) we know all too well what it's like to be a boy, and that scares the life out of us. It's good to come across people like Robert Wolgemuth who have successful experience bringing up tiny humans of the female persuasion.
His advice is sound, and not really all that creative, but I appreciate that. In a world where wrong is right and parental duties are shifting to governmental responsibility, it's nice to see someone make a case for what was formerly known as "common sense".
Perhaps the best advice he gives is to remember that our tiny human female offspring are emotional creatures, and they need to connect physically and verbally to their fathers. But of course, Aine is just three, so I have a good three or four more years before any deep discussions happen, right?
His advice is sound, and not really all that creative, but I appreciate that. In a world where wrong is right and parental duties are shifting to governmental responsibility, it's nice to see someone make a case for what was formerly known as "common sense".
Perhaps the best advice he gives is to remember that our tiny human female offspring are emotional creatures, and they need to connect physically and verbally to their fathers. But of course, Aine is just three, so I have a good three or four more years before any deep discussions happen, right?
July 9, 2014
I was very thrilled to get a copy of this book as it has been around for quite some time and I was thrilled to get my own copy to give to my husband to prepare him for the day when we have little girls of our own.
This book certainly did not disappoint and I felt that it was many of thing that my own Father did for my sister and I that helped make him such a great Dad.I do believe that this was a book that my Father owned and read,which makes sense.:)
I highly recommend this book and think it would make an awesome gift to any new Father or even seasoned Fathers who have little girls.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book certainly did not disappoint and I felt that it was many of thing that my own Father did for my sister and I that helped make him such a great Dad.I do believe that this was a book that my Father owned and read,which makes sense.:)
I highly recommend this book and think it would make an awesome gift to any new Father or even seasoned Fathers who have little girls.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 4, 2010
"Seven Things Every Man Needs to Know About Building a Complete Daughter" is the subtitle. That pretty much sums up the book. It was a fairly basic read on what seemed to be basic parenting skills, but specifically for the daddy-daughter relationship. One pretty useful part of the book were the end of chapter "Builder's Checklist" that were bullet points of the bigger topics in the chapter. Those also had actionable ideas in a format that men - generally being task oriented - could put to good use.
February 6, 2017
I wanted to like this book more than I did. I did find several small things that I could tweak in my reading, however I didn't find anything really that out of the ordinary of what you would find in another parenting book.
The book is an easy read, nothing difficult, the information is good. I would say there are plenty of stories to illustrate, however, often, the author never gives us the ending of the story, something I found quite frustrating (the other shoe never dropped). All in all, I would consider it an average parenting book.
The book is an easy read, nothing difficult, the information is good. I would say there are plenty of stories to illustrate, however, often, the author never gives us the ending of the story, something I found quite frustrating (the other shoe never dropped). All in all, I would consider it an average parenting book.
July 12, 2014
This is a great book for any man of daughter(s) from birth through teenage years. It's so unique now that the author’s girls are grown that it's been updated from his new perspective and they have given input! It was a great book already and now has this new perspective and a lot of new material. Our girls need this Godly foundation with their Dad's in our world today! This is invaluable for Dads to build the strong relationships with their girls that will set them up to face the world.
September 23, 2008
Un libro con tanta informacion para padres y consejo...este libro ha sido un regalo para mi esposo para que conozca mas sobre el desarrollo de su nina.
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April 17, 2009She Calls Me Daddy by Robert Wolgemuth (?)
February 27, 2011
Written from a Christian foundation with a very important message. I think all daddies-to-be and mommies should read this.
April 14, 2011
A book that every daughter's dad should read. Practical parenting tips and solid reminders from a Biblical perspective. A great read time and again.
June 22, 2012
I read this right before Cecily was born, and I'm reading it again just before baby girl #2 arrives. It's better this time, now that I have a frame of reference.
January 10, 2013
This is a book for obviously for dad's but I found it was still relevant to me as the mom of a girl. There are a lot of really, really good tips in this book.
May 8, 2013
Some good parenting nuggets, but overall a pretty basic and common sense books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews