I continue to marvel at the bond our three daughters have with their father. Their interactions are loving, respectful and irreplaceable. This is due to the wonderful job my husband has done in nurturing these critical relationships with his girls throughout their lives.

Dads generally provide the first male interactions girls have, which makes these encounters crucial to their healthy emotional development.

My husband formed a bond with our oldest daughter from the day she was born. Being nine weeks premature, she was immediately transferred to St. Louis Children's Hospital, which meant I was unable to see her for several days as I recovered in another hospital.

Shifting immediately into "dad" mode, the new father visited his baby daily in the neonatal intensive care unit. He was able to hold, feed, change and rock her, and the nurses even remarked on what a devoted dad he was. Thus began the nurturing of the lifelong bond that helped Daughter No. 1 to grow into the accomplished adult who is now a happily married graduate student.

When Daughter No. 2 came along, it took a little more effort to fit two children into the routines that became dad's trademark: Saturday morning trips to the gas station, and pancakes at McDonald's. In addition, dad made a special effort to take Daughter No. 2 out as frequently as possible without her sister. Thus was born the "Birthday Shopping Spree and Lunch with Dad," which still occurs to this day. For each girl's birthday, dad takes her on a shopping spree and then to lunch for some father-daughter conversation. No mom or siblings allowed. The girls still look forward to this event each year, although Daughter No. 2 sometimes has to reschedule due to her busy life with her husband and career as an attorney.

By the time daughter No. 3 came along, dad had established his routines, and although the older girls were usually too busy to participate in dad's Saturday morning rituals, No. 3 was more than happy to have dad all to herself. She still is, and even dad admits she's got him wrapped around her little finger. Although daughter No. 3 is in graduate school and no longer lives at home, dad still makes sure her car is maintained, her apartment is safe, and her computer and appliances are working properly. She knows she can call on him for anything at any time, and he'll be there.

When the girls were in elementary, middle and high school, dad attended every parent/teacher conference, took notes, asked pertinent and probing questions, and always reported back to the girls as they awaited their own private conference with dad. He expected good preparation and effort, viewing education as their full-time job. These skills are now incorporated into our girls' daily lives and careers.

The first male role model our daughters had was their dad. His devotion and love were key to their self confidence and expectations for their lives.

Carole Allen, a Chesterfield resident, is a retired speech-language pathologist and special ed. teacher. She taught for 28 years in the Special School District. She enjoys traveling, reading and her two cats. She and her husband, Arnie, have three daughters. They love the St. Cardinals.