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The Kindest Lie


A timely and soul-stirring novel about the lies families tell each other and the...
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"[A] little girl needed a daddy: the first man she would ever try to impress...one who would set the bar so high that no other man could reach it." What do you think of this statement?

Created: 01/27/22

Replies: 9

Posted Jan. 27, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
barrye

Join Date: 07/20/14

Posts: 50

"[A] little girl needed a daddy: the first man she would ever try to impress...one who would set the bar so high that no other man could reach it." What do you think of this statement?

Ruth's grew up not knowing who her father was, and felt something in her life was missing as a result. "[A] little girl needed a daddy: the first man she would ever try to impress, a man who could spin her around and never let her fall, one who would set the bar so high that no other man could reach it." What do you think of this statement?


Posted Jan. 28, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
melanieb

Join Date: 08/30/14

Posts: 265

RE: "[A] little girl ...

think it’s true.


Posted Jan. 29, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
ashleighp

Join Date: 09/15/20

Posts: 33

RE: "[A] little girl ...

As someone who did not meet her father until her 20s, I fully agree with this statement.

Children deserve to know and understand where they come from - even if it sucks. The lies only leave kids wondering “what was wrong with me?” Or “why don’t they love me?” Vs the truth which at least allows the grieving and healing process to begin.


Posted Jan. 30, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
carriem

Join Date: 10/19/20

Posts: 237

RE: "[A] little girl ...

I agree that your father is the first man you want to impress and often girls compare other men they meet to their daddy and yes children do deserve to know the the truth if their daddy is not part of their lives.


Posted Jan. 30, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
acstrine

Join Date: 02/06/17

Posts: 438

RE: "[A] little girl ...

First, I think Ruth has idealized the role of a father. Not knowing her own, she had a somewhat unrealistic expectation of what a father was and of his role in the family and her life. I think the importance of having a dad is that a young girl has the opportunity to see how a man treats his wife and responsibilities with regard to the home and the children, and to show unconditional love and support- -which in turn provide a strong sense of self and confidence. This could help in the forming of sound judgements in determining who would be a good life partner. However, dads are imperfect beings, often struggling with their own issues. More often than not, dads do let go, and we fall. Ruth idolized her grandfather and treasured the special time they had together, particularly fishing at the Wabash River. It was hard for her to learn in the story that he made "unethical" decisions and acted in a way that disappointed her at his job- -even if he was ultimately doing it so Ruth would have a better life.

I agree with ashleighp. I believe children need to know the truth about an absent parent- -as much as they can handle at any time- -if only to prevent the child from believing that he/she is the reason the parent left.


Posted Feb. 03, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
sylviaann

Join Date: 01/14/18

Posts: 66

RE: "[A] little girl ...

I agree with the above statement. Research confirms, again and again, that a father plays a unique role in the development of his children’s self-esteem, behavior, life choices and relationships. If he rejects and ignores her, she will spend her life trying to replace him in her heart.


Posted Feb. 04, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
beckys

Join Date: 08/12/16

Posts: 233

RE: "[A] little girl ...

I believe this statement to be true. A girls first true love is their dad, and if it’s a good relationship, it will set a high bar for the next men in her life. I think if a girl is truly loved and accepted by her father, the rest of her male relationships will be healthier because she won’t always be looking for that hero status in a male.


Posted Feb. 06, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
jos

Join Date: 03/14/21

Posts: 139

RE: "[A] little girl ...

I agree, it’s so important for kids to have both parents for role models, and when one is not or cannot be there I feel it’s important to be as honest with children at an age appropriate
Level. I also believe strongly that role models can still be provided through other relatives and friends. I think Ruth started to understand that at some point her son would suffer for not knowing who his real parent were even though, like she herself had, someone that filled that role.


Posted Feb. 14, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
xandrabk

Join Date: 04/16/19

Posts: 44

RE: "[A] little girl ...

I totally agree with this statement. I think a girl is forever seeking a father figure and whoever she chooses to be the person, is the image she seeks in a relationship.


Posted Feb. 24, 2022 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
taking.mytime's Gravatar
taking.mytime

Join Date: 03/29/16

Posts: 364

RE: "[A] little girl ...

You first fall in love with your Daddy. He is your example of what a man should be. Good or bad! You either gravitate towards that type of mate or you know you should avoid that role model.


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