In this crazy world we live in, does anyone else feel like our time with our children is minimized? Real, quality time. Between social media, work obligations, and the general pace of life…..as parents we need to be very intentional about devoting time to our little ones. Last week, I shared some great mommy and me dates for mothers and daughters…..they got such a great reaction, that I roped my husband in and we brainstormed ten simple daddy daughter date ideas!
- Sports Event: I'm definitely not a sports person. My husband? HUGE college football and basketball fan. So, dads? Take your daughter to a game. A real live game. I hope Lydia loves sports more than I do!
- Where I Go All Week: Take your daughter to visit your work. Lydia knows that during the week daddy is “working”. I doubt she understands what that actually means. Let your daughter visit your office, that way she can picture you when you're gone!
- Build It: Build something together. A clubhouse. A picture frame. A shelf. If this isn't your strong suit…..take a class together at Home Depot, they have workshops for kids and parents each weekend!
- Cook Together: Shop for, prep, prepare and enjoy a meal together. Let's face it, in MOST families…..the moms do the cooking. It's about time we change that. I don't care if your meal is a grilled cheese sandwich. Select a menu together, and after preparing…..enjoy (and please don't forget to put the dishes in the dishwasher!)
- Where We Met: Most mothers feel a strong connection to their children in utero. But dads? It's the moment they laid eyes on you. Take your daughter back to visit where you first met her. Yup, the hospital. Look at the babies, and tell her about the day she made you a dad. Want to really step it up? Bring cookies for the nurses in labor and delivery…..they deserve them!
- Backyard Sleepover: Set up a campsite in the backyard complete with tent, sleeping bags, and smores!
- Zoo: Head to your local zoo for the day. At the entrance, grab a map and plan out which animals you'd like to visit! Focus on animals from one specific region……
- Dance Class: Take a dance class together! From hip hop to ballroom dancing, kids LOVE to move. Take a class together, who knows….it could even becoming a weekly thing!
- Cinderella: Set up a in-home screening of Cinderella, complete with popcorn and crowns. Bonus if you make your own crowns before the viewing!
- Her Choice: Ask your daughter to set the agenda for the day. Let her pick her favorite activities to share with you!
So parents, what did I leave out? Leave your Daddy Daughter Date Ideas in the comments!
Susannah says
January 21, 2016 at 11:41 amThis is precious! I want Nate to have a daughter someday so he can go on dates with her. 🙂
carly says
January 21, 2016 at 11:44 amAw, it’s the BEST! I love seeing Robbie and Lydia together!
Colby Shipwash says
January 21, 2016 at 12:05 pmI have 4 daughters and I have to say you ideas are great for all of them! Thank You.
carly says
January 21, 2016 at 12:24 pmAw thanks Colby, your comment totally made my day!
Kiki - According to Kiki says
January 22, 2016 at 6:35 amMy fiance loves to save his vacation days at work for the warmer weather and have daddy daughter dates with our little one. I never even get jealous because I know they need the quality time together. He loves taking her to a indoor trampoline park on the not so nice weather days, where they have a toddler play area. It’s safe, and perfect! I do feel like time is minimized. I get off work at 5 my little one wants to go to bed between 7 and 7:30. It’s a little heart breaking.
carly says
January 22, 2016 at 8:24 amHi Kiki! I totally get it, that sounds like our schedule too! I pick Lydia up around 5, and I feel like I miss so much! I try to make the most of weekends and vacations….but it’s rough!
AmyLovestoSew says
January 25, 2016 at 1:02 amLovely ideas – will be trying these when my daughter is older (currently 3 months) I especially like the idea of my husband wearing a princess crown and watching cinderella, will definitely have to give that a try one day!
carly says
January 25, 2016 at 9:23 amHa, right? One of my friends’ husbands did it, I was SO impressed!
Christie says
January 25, 2016 at 6:38 pmGreat post!!! This is adorable and so true. Love these suggestions!
Christie
The Closet by Christie
carly says
February 4, 2016 at 8:06 amThanks Christie!
Lou Lou Girls says
January 28, 2016 at 10:44 amGreat post! Pinned and tweeted. Thanks for coming to our party and sharing such an amazing masterpiece! I hope to see you next Monday @7 because we love to party with you! Happy Thursday! Lou Lou Girls
Jamie says
January 29, 2016 at 4:33 pmWhat great ideas!! Losing my Dad when I was 17, I so remember those small things that we did together years ago. 🙂 Thank you for sharing with us at the #HomeMattersParty
carly says
February 4, 2016 at 8:06 amAw Jamie, this totally made my day……how special that you have those memories with him!
Frugal Hausfrau says
February 1, 2016 at 9:05 pmSuch a sweet idea! Thanks for sharing this with us on Throwback Thursday, and we’ll be sure to pin it to our Throwback Thursday Board! 🙂
Mollie
Dini @ The Flavor Bender says
February 4, 2016 at 7:35 amThese are beautiful ideas! I don’t have kids yet, but if I did, I can see my husband wanting to do all of these!! Especially the sports one! Like you, I’m not into sports but really want my (future) kids to like it more than I do 🙂
Fantastic list of ideas!
Thank you so much for sharing this with us at #SaucySaturdays! I hope you join us again this week 🙂
Pinned!
carly says
February 4, 2016 at 8:07 amHa, right? Robbie is currently teaching her about basketball, it’s so fun!