There was nothing like seeing the light shine in my daughter’s eyes when she got ready for her first official daddy/daughter date. It is amazing the significance that occurs when a daughter feels special in the eyes of her dad.
We started this tradition within the past year and aside from being a special time for my husband and his only daughter to bond, without any interruptions, it has really grown into a time where life lessons are learned.
The first and most important lesson she learned was how special she is and how she deserves for the love of her life to treat her with respect, honor, and kindness. More than anything, the prayer we have for our children is that they will marry a spouse someday who treats them well.
Using manners, complimenting someone, holding open the door, and not talking with your mouth full are all actions that should be second nature. With my husband modeling the type of behavior our daughter should expect from a man who wants to date her, hopefully she will not settle for second best in her quest for a boyfriend or spouse.
Another lesson she learned was how to let the man lead and to humbly give up control. In today’s society so many woman are single mothers or leaders in their workplace that it is hard for them to sit back and let the man take over planning the evening, choosing the restaurant, or even driving. My daughter and I had a chance while she was getting ready to talk about how special it is to allow that special guy to have some fun planning the events. That is not to say the woman can never voice an opinion or even to plan a few surprises of her own; but I was trying to explain that if the man asks you out on a date, it is polite for the woman to allow the man to take the lead. It was an opportunity to teach her grace and to learn that sometimes just being together and eating dinner is better than going out and buying a bunch of things that will get lost eventually anyway.
The look on our daughter’s face when she opened the door and saw my husband standing there with flowers (we all live in the same house but going out on a date requires a little extra flare), she barely knew what to say. I think it was important for her to see that she was special enough for her daddy to take some time and effort to get dressed up for her too. Hopefully she is learning that when you love someone, you are willing to go that extra mile sometimes.
It was not until they got back from their dinner out that I was allowed to share in the rest of their date together. Our daughter went on and on about how much fun she had, but it was that special glow about her that showed me more than her words told me how loved and special she felt.
Since that special night, they have had several more daddy/daughter dates; usually coming just when she needs it most. None have been as magical as that first one (isn’t that how it goes with all first dates?), but all have been just as special.
Maybe it is time you and your daughter share a special evening together – just the two of you.
I remember going to the ‘Daddy Daughter Date Night’ dances held in my home town, thrown by the Naperville Park District. I vividly recall the white chiffon dress, with a little strawberry pattern, that I wore to the first one. (It was the 70’s) My Father was a VERY good dancer; he spun me around like a top! I’m going to go and look through the pictures right now, and search for one from that night. I lost my Father in 2009. Thanks for reminding me of those special times with your writing! 🙂