Be the First - 2026 Edition
Michelle Watson
Here we are at the beginning of this new year, that time when we all turn the page and look forward to a fresh start. Some of us might even dare to believe that anything is possible as the script for 2026 is yet to be written.
When I think about the concept of firsts, I think of how this word relates to me as a firstborn. Truth be told, I like to be first---first in line, first to answer a question, first to try something new, and on it goes. Maybe you can relate!
Then my mind moves to how the concept of firsts tie to you being a father who wants to grow in understanding your daughter with even more precision. With that in view, I want to highlight what a big deal “firsts” are for us as girls.
To prove my point, you could ask any adult woman when she had her first crush. She’ll immediately tell you because that memory is frozen in time and available for fast recall whenever prompted.
Ask her about her first kiss, her first dance, first prom, or first breakup. They’re all filed away.
Now let’s change it up a bit and address more than just romance or heartbreak.
You could ask about her first job, her first paycheck, first car or first bad grade. Yep….all stored in the vault.
And if you want to delve even deeper with asking your daughter questions, you could ask her about her memories with you. What does she remember as the first time you made her feel loved and special…all the way to the first time you hurt her feelings or disappointed her. Why not start the year by being the first to initiate a conversation to make amends, if required.
Here’s how I also see it. If your daughter is wired to remember firsts, then why not capitalize on that reality by being the first to do it right and get it right at the start of this new year.
Dad, what if you made it your goal in this new year to create memories for your daughter by deciding to “be the first.”
Be the first to tell her you love her every single day so she never has to wonder if you do.
Be the first to choose kindness because it’s a virtue you want her to exemplify.
Be the first to set the bar high in modeling what a good man looks like so all other men will be compared to you.
Be the first to tell her you’re sorry.
Be the first to show her that strong men can cry.
Be the first to model what humility looks like.
Be the first to write her a note telling her what you find special about her.
Be the first to take her on an adventure.
Be the first to buy her a “just-because” treat.
Be the first to take her out for an extravagant meal.
Be the first to wipe her tears and hold her in your arms when her life goes sideways.
Be the first to listen rather than lecture.
Be the first to “hold her anger” without reacting harshly in return.
Be the first to initiate deep conversations about spirituality, God, faith, politics, goals, and even your life growing up.
Be the first to model a healthy spiritual life so she can follow your example.
Be the first give of your time and energy to serve her.
Be the first to invest in launching her dreams by funding a project she is passionate about.
Be the first to applaud her successes from the front row.
Why be the first?
It’s the best way to show her what love looks like when backed by action. Better yet, she’ll relate to all other men based on what she experiences with you.
Dad…you’ve got the whole year ahead to lead the way in loving your daughter first. You can make it your goal to be the first to soften your tone, apologize, and make amends.
Decide now to make this a year of firsts, beginning with choosing one thing from the list above to do today to let your daughter know how much you love her!
Be the first to tell her you love her every single day so she never has to wonder if you do.
Be the first to choose kindness because it’s a virtue you want her to exemplify.
Be the first to set the bar high in modeling what a good man looks like so all other men will be compared to you.
Be the first to tell her you’re sorry.
Be the first to show her that strong men can cry.
Be the first to model what humility looks like.
Be the first to write her a note telling her what you find special about her.
Be the first to take her on an adventure.
Be the first to buy her a “just-because” treat.
Be the first to take her out for an extravagant meal.
Be the first to wipe her tears and hold her in your arms when her life goes sideways.
Be the first to listen rather than lecture.
Be the first to “hold her anger” without reacting harshly in return.
Be the first to initiate deep conversations about spirituality, God, faith, politics, goals, and even your life growing up.
Be the first to model a healthy spiritual life so she can follow your example.
Be the first give of your time and energy to serve her.
Be the first to invest in launching her dreams by funding a project she is passionate about.
Be the first to applaud her successes from the front row.
Why be the first?
It’s the best way to show her what love looks like when backed by action. Better yet, she’ll relate to all other men based on what she experiences with you.
Dad…you’ve got the whole year ahead to lead the way in loving your daughter first. You can make it your goal to be the first to soften your tone, apologize, and make amends.
Decide now to make this a year of firsts, beginning with choosing one thing from the list above to do today to let your daughter know how much you love her!