Dad Goes On Weekly Dates With His Daughter. Why You Should Too

Fathers play an essential role in children’s lives, especially their daughters. Several studies have proven this, as daughters look up to their fathers and observe how they treat their mothers, shaping their own identities and their perceptions of what to look for in the opposite sex.

In a research by Dr. Suzanne Le Menestrel, she explained, “Fathers have a valuable impact on their daughters. Most psychologists believe, and I am one of them, that all future romantic relationships in a girl’s life will be influenced positively or negatively by the way she perceives and interacts with her dad."

"If he rejects and ignores her, she will spend her life trying to replace him in her heart. If he is warm and nurturing, she will look for a lover to equal him. If he thinks she is beautiful, worthy, and feminine, she will be inclined to see herself that way," Dr. Le Menestrel said.

Why this dad takes his daughter on weekly dates

Given the significant role fathers play in their daughters’ future relationships, their presence is valuable. In an interview with Smart Parenting, dad of two and dentist Carlo Jose Valera shared how he makes sure to set aside an evening each week for a special date night with his daughter. “My daughter always looks forward to this time together,” he said.

"I want to build a strong bond with her and guide her through this chaotic world as she grows up. It's important to me that she feels secure, loved, and supported every step of the way.” —Carlo Jose Valera, dad of two

Every Wednesday night, Carlo goes on date nights with his 5-year-old daughter, “I always envisioned having a princess who would look up to me as her protector. I want to build a strong bond with her and guide her through this chaotic world as she grows up. It's important to me that she feels secure, loved, and supported every step of the way.”

^{Carlo and his daughter}

He shared some date ideas they do together, “When our daughter was younger, she always wanted to go out. She loved going on picnics, visiting indoor playgrounds, exploring malls, and eating at ramen houses. However, as she has grown older, her preferences have changed. Nowadays, she enjoys staying at home more, where we can have cozy movie nights together. She has also developed a love for making puzzles, which we often do as a family. This shift has allowed us to spend quality time in a more relaxed and intimate setting, creating a different kind of cherished memory.”

10 Date ideas for dads and daughters 

Having a date with your daughter doesn’t have to be costly; you can just be creative and find the time to put it in your schedule. Here are some date ideas for dads and daughters for kids and tweens:

1. Watch a movie.

Watch a movie together. Hide your cell phones and focus on the film—whether it's at home, binge-watching on Disney+ or Netflix, or at a nearby cinema. Prepare some popcorn, make your couch cozy, and snuggle together with a blanket! Check out our Disney+ movie recos here and on Netflix here.

2. Play in an arcade.

Our kids enjoy simple arcade games. Make sure to buy lots of tokens so you can spend an hour or two together. Try different games like basketball, spinning the wheel, ticket redemption games, and more.

Check out this Timezone branch in Quezon City has bowling lanes and a billiard hall!

3. Try a bowling or ice skating date.

Wouldn’t it be fun if you did something new together, like going bowling or skating at a nearby mall? Make fun of yourselves, and this experience will surely be part of her core memory! There's an ice skating rink in SM Mall of Asia in Pasay and in SM Mega Fashion Hall in Pasig. 

“For me, a date isn't just about going out and eating; it's about spending meaningful time with your daughter. It's about engaging in conversations, learning from each other, and truly connecting." —Carlo Jose Valera, dad of two

4. Visit a museum.

If your child is more of an artsy type, she will enjoy going on museum visits. You can go to an art museum or a heritage museum too. It’s one way to date her while also educating her about the things around her.

The Mind Museum in Taguig is always a good idea too! Book your tickets via Klook here.

5. Show her where you work.

I remember our father bringing my sister and me to his office back in the 90s. Since he was an animator, his office was very child-friendly and cartoonish, and little did I know that it played a significant role in my well-being. Seeing how his world works made me more curious about life, and his creativity helped my sister and me find our creativity too.

When you show your daughter where you work, she will understand why you work and how the world around her works.

6. Have an outdoor picnic.

There are a lot of malls that have open spaces or public parks where you can set up a picnic. Just the thought of laying on a blanket and sharing sandwiches will surely be a lot of fun. If you live in Pasig City, check out this newly opened rainforest park. If you're near Makati City, try SOMO Market or the Ayala Malls Vermosa Central Garden, which has many green spaces.

7. Visit a bookstore.

It’s a low-key kind of date when you bring your daughters to a nearby bookstore. You don’t have to spend a lot or buy too much—just simply enjoying each other’s company and getting to know her interests will be a memorable date for her.

Expert tip: Take her to the Big Bad Wolf Books in Makati this June! 

8. Schedule a game night at home.

Pick a favorite board game at home and enjoy it together! Try Snakes and Ladders, Monopoly, or a Guessing Game. Check out Smart Parenting's comprehensive guide to board games for the whole family here.

9. Go to an indoor play area.

There are a lot of play areas within the metro, such as Kinder City in the South, or Kidzoona in various malls. There's also Puddy Rock in Mandaluyong, and Fantasy World in Makati. Your little daughter will surely enjoy it! 

10. Dress up and dine out.

Try wearing semi-formal attire like your Sunday best and take your daughter to a restaurant she would love!

A father’s association with his daughter can save her from future behavioral problems and help her develop her sense of identity even at an early age. Going on one-on-one dates with them enables you to get to know them more, and influence them.

As Daddy Carlo said, “For me, a date isn't just about going out and eating; it's about spending meaningful time with your daughter. It's about engaging in conversations, learning from each other, and truly connecting. As a father, being silly and funny not only makes her laugh but also fills your heart with happiness. These simple, joyful moments create lasting memories and strengthen the bond between you."

Where are you taking your daughter this week? Share your experiences at the Smart Parenting Village, an exclusive Facebook group for moms and dads. Join here.