Actully, the going for the dad thing is not true. I have seen far too many women with nice, hard working dads (including family members) who go for the dangerous rebel type guy. There is probably no accounting for exactly why women choose who they choose, however, it wouldn't hurt to push them in the right direction.
sundero
I agree, to a point. Those Dads may have been pretty wonderful or, they may have just appeared so, and the same with Moms. I have often found that what the world sees isn't always what is going on in the household, but that is another discussion.
As for pushing them in the right direction, you have to figure out the 'why' they are so attracted to the bad guy. Sometimes it is just silly girl stuff, that can be worked with to some degree. But sometimes it is something a little darker and deeper. I have also found that encouraging always works better than pushing ;)
Really, what always worked with me was "Don't you even THINK of dating him" and I was after him in a heartbeat (humor break :) )