Helping Fathers Build Stronger Relationships With Their Daughters
“Walks with My Daughter”
How to Build or Rebuild a Lifelong Bond with Your Daughter
A call to dads who want to understand the role they play in shaping their daughters’ confidence, discernment, and future relationships. It’s not about being the perfect dad, it’s about being a consistent and present dad.
Because what you model matters
Written for Fathers…Impactful for Women
This book was written for dads who want to understand the role they play in shaping their daughters’ confidence, discernment, and future relationships. More importantly, they want to see their daughter flourish into that vision!
What the author didn’t expect was how many women would read it and say, “This explains so much.”
Mothers, daughters, and grandmothers have shared how it stirred memories — some joyful, some painful, some unfinished — and helped them reflect on how they were parented and how they now love their children.
What readers are saying…
“Fathers, this is a must read and do. I have edited and written books for three decades on parenting and family, and this is the best father–daughter practical guide ever.”
— Dr. Larry Keefauver, Bestselling Author & International Teacher
“Walks With My Daughter is a must read for all men who are expecting or have daughters. Wherever your journey is with your daughter, this book provides insight and wisdom.”
— Jeff Griffin, Mentor and Proud Father of Three Daughters
“Who is the man behind this book, and why does he care?”
WHEN DID I DECIDE TO WRITE THIS BOOK?
We began our walks when Alexandra was an infant. When she was six years old (2005) I realized how these walks were affecting us both. On one evening walk, we began a conversation about school. I thought how fortunate I was that she was comfortable sharing details of her life with me. We developed a bond and trust that was cultivated over the years. I wanted to be sure I didn’t mess them up as she got older! I would make sure the walks were for her by asking, “what should we talk about tonight pumpkin.” I formed a little unwritten rule book for our walks. Over the years, our bond got us through the toughest of times.
WHY DID I WRITE THIS BOOK IN A DEVOTIONAL FORMAT?
Initially I had one goal with this book. I wanted to share how our intentional walks created a bond that could not be broken. Young men should know that if they start early enough, the bond is much more easily established. I always believed that it was easier to create momentum when you build it early. It is much easier to maintain momentum, then to lose it and have to start all over again. The devotional format inspsires men (who are not typically known as deep thinkers!) to slow down and ask, “What is my role as a father to a daughter? How would my relationship with my daughter impact her future relationships?”
What I didn’t expect was how Dads with grown daughters would respond. In honest reflection, why did some feel they wish they had a do-over with their daughters? The questions at the end of the chapters are meant to inspire an honest assessment of what they might have done well or what was missing. A do-over can happen at anytime. Isn’t your daughter worth it? Dad, aren’t you willing to invest any amount of time to reconnect? I created a chapter at the end of the book to inspire a fresh start with fresh dialogue.
I also didn’t expect how women would respond. While the book is speaking to dads, our story prompted them to reflect on the relationship they had with their own fathers. How did their relationships affect the man they chose to spend their lives with. The book was not intended to make women angry with their fathers. I received feedback that indicated a forgiveness and a hopeful future. The book inspired some women to take a fresh look at the relationship they have with their adult children. As a grandparent, are my children being “present” for their kids?
DOES THIS BOOK TEACH MEN HOW TO BE THE PERFECT DAD?
NO! The book tries to inspire them to be a “present” dad. It is my hope that the book highlights mistakes I made during the father/daughter relationship. Despite my flaws she always knew how important she was to me because I tried to be a present dad. It is also my hope that the readers understand that I was shown grace by my daughter because of the bond we established over the years through our walks and talks. On many occasions I asked her for forgiveness. She got to see a man admit they were wrong. My promise to any dad reading this is that the walks are as much for you as they are for your daughter.
IS THIS BOOK GOING TO PREACH TO ME? I AM NOT SURE I AM READY FOR THAT…
When I began those walks I would define myself as a luke warm Christian. I took God off the shelf when I was desperate and placed Him back on the shelf when I wanted to do it all myself. Do I think your walks would work without sharing the faith journey aspects of the book? Yes, probably. What could be wrong about spending more time with your daughter to connect? But to leave that out of the book would make it an incomplete book. The walks strengthened our bond while bringing us closer to God. Be open to the whole story and open to letting Him help. I learned the hard way that giving my relationship with my kids to God, always led to a stronger relationship for ALL of us. His plans always surpass my plans in outcome and excellence.
About the Author
In his 30+ year career, Chris Metropulos earned national recognition in his company’s Hall of Fame and was identified as a Star Coach for hiring, mentoring, and leading successful teams.
Yet his greatest mission was always closer to home.
Through routine walks with his daughter, Chris discovered something simple but powerful was happening. Those walks became a place of listening, trust, and open conversation — forming an unbreakable bond rooted in love, truth, and a faith-filled foundation that lasts a lifetime.
