I had never heard of daddy-daughter dates until my girls came home from taking their father to see a movie at Pinedale Christian Church for father's day. I think that it is a wonderful concept.
Just think about it, they always say that a girl will marry someone like her father. So if daddy makes time for his little girl, then she is more likely to expect the same from potential future wooers. It is not all that important what father and daughter do, or where they go, but that they're spending some one-on-one time together doing things that they enjoy.
Dad is teaching his little girl what it's like to go on dates and how to be treated by a man. What perfect opportunities to demonstrate opening a door for a lady, pushing her seat in at a table, walking her to her front door, etc. She will know how it feels to be treated with respect and expect nothing less.
But some good tips that I have found is that as your little girl gets older, Daddy should make a point of opening doors, pulling out her chair, lavishing on the compliments, and showing her the proper way to be treated. As she reaches her teens, give her the opportunity to decide what to do on your dates, her future spouse with thank you since one of the number one complaints of men is that women never speak up about what they want to do.
Keep in mind that she may go through a period where dating her dad seems so... "ew." While you don't want to force her to continue with these one-on-one dates, Daddy shouldn't ever stop asking. Chances are she'll soon come to miss her time with Daddy.
Again, the important thing is not what Daddy and daughter do but that they are taking the time to get to know each other. And hopefully, when she does choose that special someone on day, she'll be proud to say he's just like her dad.
Daddy-daughter dates are also a great way to create relationships that last a lifetime. Quality time with Dad is very important for young girls. Spending time with Dad, or any male role model, is an important part in developing appropriate male-female relationships.
Girls look for approval from adults. Spending time with Dad, when she is the focus can help her gain self-confidence, feel important, and recognize how much her Daddy cares about her. Many of the problems and trials teenage girls experience are things they are not comfortable going to Dad about so they inevitable turn to their mother. One of the best ways Dad can maintain his presence in his little girl's life is to establish a routine of one on one daddy daughter time at a young age. But, never forget, it's never too late to reach out, even if you little girl is a teenager.
P.S.
In researching this blog, I came across a wonderful story about daddy-daughter dates. Check it out at http://www.beliefnet.com/Inspiration/Chicken-Soup-For-The-Soul/2009/06/The-Best-Father-Daughter-Date-Ever.aspx
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