Dads & Daughters

Did you happen to listen to NPR the morning of April 23, 2015 to hear an interview with former White House press secretary, Dana Perino?  She was interviewed about her new book, And the Good News Is...  I found the conversation so interesting, I had yet another "Driveway Moment" when I arrived at the office by sitting in my car until the interview was concluded.  

Perino's stories about wrangling some annoying experiences with the press were humorous and her recollection about a visit with injured veterans with President Bush, illuminating. But what really struck me was her recollection of how her father helped influence her ability to find her voice later in life.

In her book, she talks about those early days how he used the newspaper and the time just before dinner to engage Perino in sharing her opinions about the news of the day:

"I think my dad recognized that it was important for children, and especially girls, to have that time with their dad so that they could help develop their confidence and their critical thinking skills. So my dad chose to have me read the Rocky Mountain News and Denver Post every day before he got home from work, and I had to choose two articles to discuss before dinner."

I paused to think about my relationship with my own father as a young girl and it conjures feelings of disappointment as I didn't have him in my life for the most part - and that very much remains the case with that relationship.  I also think of my daughter's relationship with her own father - they are very active in each other's lives.  This makes me happy and somewhat minimizes the sting of my experience with my own father.

My work with Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc. has opened up many new ideas about opportunities available for girls and women, namely, in the trades.  Our annual Women in the Trades Career Fair is coming up May 14 - May 16 and part of the event includes a Dads and Daughters Workshop on Saturday. It is a hands-on workshop that welcomes adults and the young women in their lives  to talk about the exploration of living-wage careers in construction, mechanical, utility and highway trades - just to name a few.  

OTI's executive director, Connie Ashbrook, launched this effort because her own father helped her learn how to use tools that included helping with home repair projects.  Later in her life, Connie became an elevator constructor.  

All in all, what an opportunity for fathers and daughters to talk more about such a meaningful life topic of career exploration and opportunities.  I wish I had such an opportunity to talk with my dad as he pursued his career in the manufacturing trades.  But in the meantime, I now know it is an option to pitch to my daughter. Granted, she may want to continue her journey in the arts, but what a lovely dream to now offer her options.

Learn more about the Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc. Women in Trades Career fair and I hope to see you there!