The Bible tells us to honor our parents, and for parents to raise their children with the teachings of Jesus.
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged… Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. —Colossians 3:20-24
Fathers have a special role in their daughters’ lives: to be a good role model and to show their girls an example of what a good man looks like through his words, actions and interactions with others. In turn, daughters play a very special part in their daddy’s lives, too.
Taking the time to have a father-daughter date can strengthen this relationship and be something fun for both of you to look forward to. Take one of the following ideas and make your next father-daughter date one to remember!
Movie Night
Stay in for an evening and let your daughter pick her favorite movie to watch. Make a few snacks – including the ever popular popcorn – and settle in for a nice night together. Strike up a conversation about the movie or its actors or plot and see where it flows from there! You never know when something you see in the movies can become a great teachable moment for your family.
Family Photo Time
Teach your daughter where you’ve come from with some family history. Pull out the photo albums and tell her about your time growing up, how it was different than her life today, and share stories about her aunts, uncles, grandparents and other family members.
If you are able, go back even further into your family tree to let her know of her heritage – does she have an interesting or strong ancestor worth knowing? Any pastors in the past? Intrepid fathers can even sign up for a free account at an online family history website like Ancestry.com to delve into your family’s past together. At the end of the night, take some pictures of the two of you to add to the family album.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Nature is beautiful and one of God’s gifts to us. Take some time out of your busy lives and walk some nature trails or spend some time in a park together. Bring a camera with you and capture some of the beauty to take home with you. It will allow you to remember the quiet moments together and to serve as a reminder of God’s love.
Cooking for Two
Know your way around the kitchen? Make your daughter’s favorites for dinner and get out the nice china for a special evening for two.
Serve her water or juice in a wine glass for added sophistication. Let her help with what she’s able to, and use the time preparing for dinner to catch up with each other. For dessert, whip up some chocolate chip cookies or brownie mix and make sure to let her lick the beaters. If you have a little one, make it a tea party and invite her favorite stuffed animals.
Putt-putt Golf
Share your love of golf with your daughter on a smaller, cuter scale. Everyone loves put-put golf, and strolling the course will give the two of you plenty of time to talk, share golf tips and revel in the fun themes of the park.
Skate Night
Take a tour around the rink at your local ice or roller skating arena. Even if one or both of you isn’t particularly good at skating, it will be a great chance for you to catch up as you skate around together.
If she falls, you can help pick her back up and give her a good, steady foundation on which to start skating again, much as you do for her in her morals and her faith life. Sharing something like skating together can be a great way to show your daughter you support her as she grows.
Do you have any other ideas for father-daughter dates that will help to strengthen your relationship with each other and with Christ? Share them in the comments.