I used to read books as a teenager where the teenage girl had special dates with her dad and I’d wistfully imagine how cool that would be. It wasn’t something that actually happened in my childhood or teenage years and I’m okay with that. However, it is something that I would like to see in my daughters’ lives.
When I’ve brought it up to my husband, he has said it sounds like a good idea, but when and where and what and how? I just assumed we’d figure it out one day. Then I saw this video and said, “We HAVE to do this.”
When I’ve brought it up to my husband, he has said it sounds like a good idea, but when and where and what and how? I just assumed we’d figure it out one day. Then I saw this video and said, “We HAVE to do this.”
It’s sweet, right? I can’t believe it’s so controversial. Where’s the controversy? I want our daughters to grow up knowing how a man should treat a woman. Not just because my husband takes me on dates or is kind and respectful towards me, but because he takes them out and is kind and respectful towards them.
So, we did it. It was so cute to see our 3 1/2 year old get so excited about her date with her daddy. She talked about getting spaghetti and meatballs and ice cream and she did her hair with clips and put on a pretty necklace. She felt beautiful and special and she should!
So, we did it. It was so cute to see our 3 1/2 year old get so excited about her date with her daddy. She talked about getting spaghetti and meatballs and ice cream and she did her hair with clips and put on a pretty necklace. She felt beautiful and special and she should!
While it was nowhere as elaborate as the video above, it was a special evening for the two of them that none of us will ever forget. They had Italian for dinner (something Mommy and baby sister can’t eat). Then they went for ice cream and walked the downtown main street looking in shop windows and talking the whole time. The talking is what excites me the most. We have a child who loves to talk about everything and anything. She seems insatiable when it comes to understanding life and everything around her. Having one-on-one time with us gives her the opportunity to have the undivided attention that allows her to feel heard and seen.
My husband is already talking about his first date with our youngest and what they should do and where they should go. I’m thrilled to see him looking forward to this time with his girls. I look at the big picture (as I do with all things) and see them growing up with these special times with their Daddy. I hope that they tell him all kinds of things and ask him lots of questions. I hope they grow together in a relationship that is deep and genuine, one that lasts beyond our lifetime. I hope when they’re teenagers they don’t look to boys to receive affirmation or confidence, because they’ve been affirmed and uplifted at home. I hope when they’re young women, they can look at their Daddy and say, “Thank you for always making me feel so special.”
Dads have that power. Moms do too. We can take time out of every day to truly hear and see our children. We can get down on their level and play their games, answer their questions and listen to their stories. Being a parent carries so much responsibility that it can be overwhelming to know what we “should” do. Most importantly, though, we can remember to know our kids and let them know us. Nothing can truly accomplish this like time.
And the memories?
They’re going to be with us forever!
My husband is already talking about his first date with our youngest and what they should do and where they should go. I’m thrilled to see him looking forward to this time with his girls. I look at the big picture (as I do with all things) and see them growing up with these special times with their Daddy. I hope that they tell him all kinds of things and ask him lots of questions. I hope they grow together in a relationship that is deep and genuine, one that lasts beyond our lifetime. I hope when they’re teenagers they don’t look to boys to receive affirmation or confidence, because they’ve been affirmed and uplifted at home. I hope when they’re young women, they can look at their Daddy and say, “Thank you for always making me feel so special.”
Dads have that power. Moms do too. We can take time out of every day to truly hear and see our children. We can get down on their level and play their games, answer their questions and listen to their stories. Being a parent carries so much responsibility that it can be overwhelming to know what we “should” do. Most importantly, though, we can remember to know our kids and let them know us. Nothing can truly accomplish this like time.
And the memories?
They’re going to be with us forever!