Daddy-daughter dates - creating relationships that last a lifetime
Daddy-daughter dates are a great way to create relationships that last a lifetime, as well as some great memories. Too often in a father's life, worrying about things like paying the bills, and getting a promotion at work, or even their son's success in sports sort of take over their life, and they tend to forget about (or at least appear to) that little girl that used to be their princess. Quality one on one time with Dad is very important for young girls. Spending time with a male role model is a key part in developing appropriate male female relationships. However, more important than all of the psychology reasons to spend one on one time, is the fact that daddy-daughter dates are a great way to create relationships that last a lifetime.
Girls, especially as young teens look for approval from adults. Spending time with Dad, when she is the focus, not work, not another sibling, not Mom, can help her gain self-confidence, feel important, and most importantly, recognize how much her Daddy cares about her.
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Many times as girls grow older, they turn to their mothers. Many of the problems and trials teenage girls experience are things they are not comfortable going to Dad about. Whether it is periods, boys, or even just things like acne, mom's seem easier to talk to. So, one of the best ways Dad can maintain his presence in his little sweetie's life is to establish a routine of one on one daddy daughter time.
The memories made, conversations had, trust extended, and time spent together during daddy-daughter dates create a relationship foundation that is solid, and one that can withstand the test of time. So, even if during her college years she forgets about you for a little while, she will never forget how important you are to her. Every Dad has the ability to establish a lasting relationship with their daughter, by simply taking an hour or two a week and devoting it solely to them.
An hour is not much. In fact, considering there are seven days a week, and twenty four hours in each day, that means out of a possible 168 hours, you only have to devote 1 to your daughter to create a lasting relationship. That does not hold true for any other relationship on the planet.
So, what can you do for your daddy-daughter dates?
- Go get an ice cream cone, slurpee, or some other treat and talk about whatever she wants to while you are out. Tell her to bring her favorite CD to play in the car, and show a real interest in whatever it is she wants. Even if the subject or music doesn't interest you, she does, so remember that!
- A real date, get dressed up, go to dinner, or a movie. Movies are not the best option as you do not have much talk time, but you may not have a lot to talk about at first, so it is a good place to start and build a comfort level if you are starting from scratch. Just make sure during the drive, and wait at the ticket line and popcorn counter that you have real conversation.
- Spend time outdoors. You may go for a walk, hike, bike, roller blade, skateboard, or even go to the lake and waterski. Something about being out in nature tends to open people up. Make sure it is fun, and something you both enjoy, then talk about the weather if you have to.
- Window shop. Girls in general love going to the mall, so go to the mall, walk around, look at clothes, hand bags, music CD's, get a pretzel in the food court, and let her talk about how bad ripping off acrylic nails hurts, whatever you do.listen, and engage.
It does not matter what you do for your daddy-daughter date, just remember, leave your cell phone at home, do not talk about work, and listen to what she has to say. Do what ever it is that she enjoys. If she is younger (five or six) she may just want to color in a coloring book, or put together a puzzle. No matter how boring it is to you, it is not about the activity as much as it is about spending quality time with your daughter, and devoting that time to her. Take 52 hours a year, and create a lasting relationship!
