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The (No Princess Movie Way) To Spend Daddy-Daughter Time

March 2, 2020 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

We all know that the relationship a daughter has with her father is one of the most important ones growing up. In fact, having a positive relationship can set your daughter up to be confident in her own self-worth and how she expects to be treated by others. However, for many dads finding common ground on which to bond with their daughters can be a challenge. Especially if they have trouble embracing the more ‘princessy’ side of things. After all, there are only so many princess films you can sit through before they all start to blend into one. The good news is there are still plenty of options to choose from. Keep reading to find out what they are.

Create an artwork together

One of the most fun things about being a dad is all the neat activities you suddenly have a reason to be involved in again. One of the best of these is getting seriously messy and creating a piece of art.

In fact, as a joint interest creating artwork together can work really well as a daddy-daughter activity. After all, it requires excellent communication and teamwork.

Don’t panic if you’re not the naturally arty type, either as there are actually plenty of ideas and tutorials online. Additionally, it’s highly likely that the diva in your life will have some ideas about what to paint or create as well. Although, if you leave it all to her, I cannot guarantee that a princess motif might not make it into your work!

Go out for a meal together

Another smart way to spend some quality daddy-daughter bonding time is to schedule a regular meal. If you can, take your daughter out for this because it can make it just that bit more special. Also, if you have other children in your home, it means that she gets your undivided attention for the duration of the meal. This being something that can make a massive difference to your relationship.

It shouldn’t have to be a fancy meal, of course, Although getting your daughter involved in picking the venue is always a smart idea. After all, you don’t want the experience to be marred by complaining.

Of course, it’s not just the act of being out and enjoying a meal together that makes this option special. It is taking the time to make a genuine connection with your daughter. Something you can do by catching up on what has been going on in her life. In fact, by making an effort to develop this kind of relationship with your daughter from a young age, you can forge a healthy connection. One that means she knows she can come talk to you if she has a problem, even as she grows up and becomes an adult.

Don’t worry too much about what to say and ask either. You can do a little research online if you choose and get some questions. But just going with the flow and showing an interest in what she is talking about is usually enough to get the ball rolling.

You may also want to try a variation on this theme and cook a meal together as well. In fact, this is an activity that you can choose to do at home if you like. Although you may wish to invest in the odd cooking class together sometime as well.

Explore a new place together

Another fantastic option for daddy-daughter time is to explore a new place together. In fact, sometimes, if you can go to a location that you haven’t visited before as well, it can level the playing field. That is, she will know as much as you do about the place you are visiting. Therefore can be involved in making choices of where to go and what to see.

You can even spend some extra time together researching what there is to do in the area you know you are going to visit. Something that will give you a shared bond and a good reason to talk even before you go on your trip.

Build something together

Next, if you are more of a practical guy, why not use this to your advantage and get your daughter involved in a building activity? Happily, we are well past the outdated idea that building things with our hands is only for boys. Something that means your diva is likely to jump at the chance of getting involved with such a project.

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

Once again, you can start the process by choosing a project to work on together. Whether that is something more traditional like a soapbox racer or a birdhouse, or one of the many you can find online.

Don’t discount the fact that your daughter may also want to help you out with DIY and renovation jobs that need doing around the house too. In fact, by using your daddy-daughter time to do this, you are setting an excellent and responsible explanation. While also teaching her essential skills that she can use later on in life.

Of course, safety is always vital when it comes to building projects, especially if you decide to allow your kids to help. To that end, before each session, be sure that you explain the safety rule carefully and kit out your child with things like google and gloves.

Encourage a shared love of sports

For many dads, sports like NBA basketball are their big passion in life, and there is only one thing that can make it even better. That is getting to share it with the most important person in your life, their daughter.

What it pays to remember here is that like many subjects, a love of sport is often something that is learned from those around you as you grow up. That means if you want your daughter to be enthusiastic about basketball and come to games with you, you need to encourage this from a young age.

One way to do this is to invite them to sit down and watch games with you at home. In fact, if you can make a big deal of it with foam fingers, banners, snacks, and drinks even better. Additionally, for those that are a little older, educating them on some of the key players and events in the NBA can help them be much more invested in the game. In fact, they may end up being so invested that their enthusiasm and knowledge eventually surpasses your own. Which, for a proud fan and father, really is a beautiful moment.

Have a cultural exchange

Finally, while we live in a much less gender-stereotyped world, the chances are that you have probably seen a few princess films already. You will likely end up watching a few more before your daughter (& son/s) grows up and moves out too.

However, why not temper this and spend some additional time with your daughter by offering a sort of cultural exchange? That is for every princess film you have to sit through (I’m thinking of your Frozen) you watch one of your favorites movies together as well. Age and topic appropriate, of course. That means no Rambo for the little ones! In fact, by doing this, you can encourage a love for all sorts of genres, and the movie-going experience in your daughters.

It’s also a fantastic way to spend some relaxed quality time in each other’s company. This being something vital to maintaining a positive relationship with your daughter. Both throughout her childhood, and when she is grown too.

4 Great Forest Wedding Ideas

February 6, 2020 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

In times past, women determined all aspects of weddings and receptions. Fortunately, things have changed, and guys are more involved in deciding what they want their weddings to look like.

Having your wedding in a forest or woodland area and using one of these themes will let you and your guests enjoy nature and have a fun, memorable experience.

1. A Fantasy Wedding

From Lord of the Rings and Elder Scrolls to Dungeons and Dragons and Game of Thrones, high fantasy is at the forefront of entertainment these days. According to Nielsen’s social content ratings, people posted on Twitter 80,000 times about Game of Thrones in just the last few minutes of the series finale.

Couples often forge bonds that last a lifetime by discussing the events on their favorite fantasy series, talking about their favorite books with each other, or having some fun with fantasy role-playing. A fantasy wedding lets you revisit great memories and form new ones.

For instance, get your groomsmen to help you carve some custom wood sculptures or gather other items to accent your wedding space. Bridesmaids can dress as elves or faeries, while groomsmen can be knights or adventurers. You can even encourage your guests to dress up along with you to help recreate your favorite fantasy scenes.

2. A Midsummer Night’s Wedding

Recreate one of Shakespeare’s most enchanting tales by dressing the bridesmaids as faeries and the groomsmen as enchanted men drawn to the women by magic. In addition to focusing on the wedding attire, you can also decorate the woods where you’ll wed with colorful fabric and sparkling lights.

Add more light to the festivities with candles and Moroccan lanterns and, even though you’re in the woods already, don’t be shy about adding wildflowers and wicker table ornaments. Lastly, you can use the opportunity to choose a touching Shakespeare quote to recite during your vows.

3. An Event for Environmentalists

You can enjoy nature at your wedding while still taking care of the environment. As such, provide recyclable materials, avoid littering, and leave some information about local wildlife on tables at the reception.

Additionally, if you already have plenty of household items, ask for donations to a charity such as the Sierra Club Foundation instead of gifts. By doing so, you can save valuable space in your home and avoid wasting time and fossil fuels to return unwanted or duplicate items.

4. A Woodsman’s Wedding

You can also hold your reception in a log cabin and serve maple candy or pancakes with maple syrup. If you go with the log cabin theme, your mantra should be “think rustic.” The more you can incorporate hearty materials like cast iron, carved wood, and steel, the better. Plaid is an obvious choice for attire, but it’s definitely been done before. If you want to shake it up, perhaps reserve plaid for your wedding cake.

Want to add some humor? Ask people to sing Monty Python’s “The Lumberjack Song” after the bride and groom say “I do.”

Make Your Wedding Day Unforgettable

Let people know you’re planning to get married and generate anticipation for your unique forest wedding with customized save the date cards. You can have your portrait, wedding date or another image printed on the front, and several different kinds of paper are available. These cards set the tone for your big day, and you can give your guests more information when you send out invitations. Make your event special with an awesome day in the woods.

A Survival Guide To Your Daughter’s Prom

February 4, 2020 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

If you read most of the articles on what dads should do at their daughter’s prom, is it usually something insulting along the lines of “shut up and get out of the way.” After all, what could a dad – a man – possibly know about prom night? Proms are all about dresses, romance, and fluttering about. Dads don’t understand anything except the contents of their shed.

Despite the relentless anti-dad sentiment littered throughout prom night articles, there are a bunch of things you need to know about the event – things that will help you navigate the evening and make it a great night for your daughter.

Understand That This Is The Most Important Night Of Her Life

Pixabay – CC0 License

On the day of your prom, your daughter might seem a little out of sorts. She could be worried, frightened, irritable, or even anxious. Understand that there’s a good reason for this: from her perspective, prom night is the most important night of her life. It’s when she must step up to the mark and project her social status. It’s a big deal!

For this reason, you’ll spend a lot of time looking at prom dresses 2020 and talking to her about her date, how she’ll get there, and much more. Prom night, as you’ll discover, is all about appearances. After all, the word “prom” comes from promenade – a show where stylish people parade in front of an audience.

Expect It To Cost A Lot

As a dad, you’ve always got one eye on the family finances. Your eternal hope is that cooler heads will prevail and that other family members will go for the cheaper option. That, of course, rarely happens – especially when it comes to the high school prom.

The best approach here is to prepare. If your daughter’s prom is several years away, you have a chance right now to put a little money aside for it. We’re not talking massive amounts, but it can be a lot, particularly if she goes in a designer dress – the trend these days.

Keep An Eye On The Clock

On prom night, dad becomes an official timekeeper. It’s your job to make sure everyone arrives at the venue on time and comes back safely at the end. Your daughter, however, may be fussing so much over her makeup and outfit that she risks running late.

To avoid a screaming match, start her off getting ready early so that she’s all done and dusted by the time she must leave. Don’t keep the limo driver outside waiting – the bill soon racks up.

Prepare To Feel Proud

Watching your daughter make her way to the prom can make you feel a little proud. It’s the unofficial moment when she ceases being a child and becomes a woman in her own right. As a father, it’s a big moment. Don’t be surprised if you feel the odd tear beginning to well up in your eyes. It’s only natural.

So, are you looking forward to your daughter’s prom? Be honest!

A Father’s Love For His Daughters Continues To Be Unique

October 23, 2018 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

There are many reasons a man can end up as a single father. His wife could be deceased, separated, or serving in a career field that keeps her away from their family. Unfortunately, jail can also leave a mother estranged from her family. Many people know having a son is a sense of pride for a man because they have someone to carry on the family name. However, when a father is left raising his daughters, it can be a different experience. There’s so much a father has to learn about women by solely raising their daughters and many men learn along the way.

What’s It Like For Dad Raising His Daughters

Are you a dad raising teenage daughters? Are you raising your daughter as a single father from infancy? Raising your daughters can be a foreign experience at any age. Most men work harder at raising their daughters and establish a special bond. A father that’s nurturing his daughter as a single father can appreciate having a mommy around to help. However, in the absence of having a mother figure, the dad is forced to be both mother and father (a role many women play).

The most important role that a father can play is that of a loving mother too. Sure, you’ll never be asked to give up your masculinity, but sometimes you’ll find yourself getting in touch with a softer side that you didn’t know you had. For example, school-age girls have hair care needs that may require a father to have some knowledge of braiding or ponytails. More importantly, adolescent girls going through puberty have much more complex issues that may be a difficult subject for dad. Are these instances you’ll be able to handle yourself? Will you need to get the help of other women in the family?

How To Manage As A Single Dad

For Your Baby Girl

Researchers say you should always respond to your infant daughter immediately. A father should always nestle his daughter on his chest when they’re holding them because of the rhythmic bond. Your baby daughter will respond well to your deep voice because it will soothe them too.

For Your Little Girl

Your little girl can build positive self confidence when they feel close to their dad. Participate in their school work, be active with her friends, and find creative ways to praise your little girl without going overboard. They can appreciate having an active father that also shows up to school functions, prepares their backpack, or sits next to them while they’re doing homework.

For Your Big Girl

Your teenage daughter can be the most trying time for any parent, but more significant for a dad. Sure, your teenage daughter is a person of their own, but building her self-esteem will be very important. Ask your teenage daughter about their daily activities as a concerned parent. However, you also want to be attentive with your teenage daughter. Find out what they like best about their school work, the two of you should go places, and get their opinion. Your teenage daughter will be glad that you’re interested in their activities. Plus, not all teenage daughters will act like they need or deserve your praise, but it will do a lot to shape their self-esteem. In fact, how they interact with that dad at any age will determine the type of man that they’ll be interested in later on. Raising your daughters will take a lot of work. A dad should use as many resources available as a single parent.

However, when you’re raising your little princess, bugs shouldn’t be a part of her upbringing. A pest services professional can keep your daughter safe from pesky insects and rodents. After all that you do to protect her, pests should never jeopardize your fragile work. You can rid your home of many pests like cockroaches, silverfish, centipedes, ants and more with the help of a professional. You want your house to always be a safe haven for your daughter and a pest control expert can help. They’ll offer you a free consultation that will allow them to come in an assess your infestation. However, they can also provide routine treatment that can also protect your princess from the threat of bugs.

4 Ways A Dad Can Help His Daughter Plan Her Big Day

February 23, 2018 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Your daughter is getting married and you want to help her plan the big day. “Father of the bride” is a role to be proud of, and it’s one that comes with many responsibilities. As her dad, you’re instrumental in her wedding, and you will feature largely in her memories of the event, so you need to take your role seriously and be prepared to chip in.

Despite what a lot of people believe, there’s more to your role as a dad than merely handing over your credit card and walking your daughter down the aisle. Here’s how you can help your daughter plan her nuptials and prepare for the big day.

Help Financially

These days, there is less expectation on parents to help pay for their child’s wedding, but you still might want to support the couple financially. Talk to your spouse about whether you can afford to chip in and work out how much so that you’re ready for the conversation when it arises. The newly engaged couple might be planning to pay for the festivities themselves, and it is their wedding after all. So don’t panic if you can’t contribute financially – there are plenty of other ways you can help.

Help Practically

Weddings are a lot of work, and too much stress in the planning stages can ruin the big day for a bride. Whether or not you’re helping financially with the wedding, you should also provide practical help wherever it’s needed to relieve some of the strain. Offer to help the couple look for venues, and don’t worry too much about the cost; UK Wedding Savings can provide budget-friendly venues wherever you are.

Help Emotionally

Between talking to vendors, planning the wedding party and dealing with guests, wedding planning can be incredibly stressful. Getting married is also an emotional time. Your daughter is bound to shed a few tears at some point – whether out of frustration, disappointment or just plain overwhelm – so be there to offer a shoulder to cry on when it all gets too much. Your role as a father doesn’t stop just because your daughter is getting married. Remember, no matter how old your daughter gets, she still needs to know that her dad is on her side, so be there to pick up the pieces when things get tough.

Help By Listening

Listen to what your daughter wants from her wedding, and find out what your role should be. She will probably want you to say a few words on her big day and walk you down the aisle, but she may not. Try to set your personal feelings aside and let her make the decisions. Resist the temptation to influence her and just listen to what she wants without getting offended if you don’t share the same vision. It’s her wedding day after all, so it’s important she remembers it as a special time free from any sort of conflict.

6 Lessons to Teach Your Daughter Before She Leaves for College

January 10, 2018 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

College is both an exciting and frightening stage for both parents and children. The best thing we can do as a parent during this time is offer our knowledge and insight on how to take on these exciting years to contribute to the already good head on our children’s shoulders.

These are six lessons to teach your daughter before she leaves for college:

Never allow anyone into your life that fails to meet your standards

Develop relationships with people who not only have your best interest in mind but theirs as well. Your social circle should be comprised of individuals that positively influence one another, share your values, and will always be friends you can rely on until the end of time. Don’t waste your time on people who are shallow, unmotivated, and unsure of themselves; their energy and attitudes will only bring you down with them.

Invest time into maintaining your emotional and physical well-being

The most important relationship in this world is the one you have with yourself. Putting time into your emotional and physical well-being is necessary since doing so keeps you grounded and clearheaded, decompresses stress and anxiety levels, and enables you to come back to center with yourself. With that said – love yourself, take more time to be in solitude, and explore all the classes and hobbies that interest you!

Put in the hard work, effort, and sacrifice into the goals you wish to accomplish

You will never get things done unless you take action. In the words of Manoj Arora, “You will either find a way, or an excuse.” Don’t expect to suddenly wake up one day and have everything fall into place. That attitude breeds a sense of entitlement towards success which prevents you from being motivated to take steps forward or accomplish goals wholeheartedly.

Trial and error is important, and should not be feared or resisted

No one is perfect, and trying to meet a standard that doesn’t exist is only a waste of time and energy. Embrace the fact that you will make mistakes, fail, and be disappointed – you’re human. What matters at the end of the day is that you get up back up again instead of criticizing yourself for things that already happened or cannot change. See your mistakes as learning experiences instead of setbacks.

Say “no” to the things that make you uncomfortable

College will open your doors up to new experiences – especially parties, concerts and music festivals. Since attending these events may interest you, please be safe! Say no to drugs such as ecstasy or LSD. They completely warp your sense of reality, thus leaving you in a vulnerable state where you might unintentionally injure yourself or be taken advantage of by another person.

Plan for the future

When you’re young, you feel like you have all the time in the world. However, while you may feel that way – it is imperative for you to be diligent about mapping out a game plan for your future, save money, and have a general idea of where you want to go with your career. You don’t need to have your entire life figured out by any means because no one can predict all that! Instead, focus on what matters most in adulthood: financial and professional security. These things determine the quality of your life for the next few years.

Because college is an incredible time of independence and exploration of one’s interests and abilities, preparing our daughters to take it on is the best gift we could give them. When your little girl finally leaves for college, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that she has the six lessons mentioned above to rely on.

Great Ideas to Bond with Your Daughter This Year

January 4, 2018 by dadofdivas 2 Comments

It seems that moms just know what to do. They are the ones that not only typically nail the motherhood role but who are also the ones that children bond with more. You shouldn’t worry though – moms have had an extra nine months of bonding with your daughter than you have. Instead, you need to find better and more meaningful ways to bond with your daughter, on a one-on-one basis. Family time is great, but if you want an independent relationship with your daughter, you need to bond with her and her alone. If you have more than one child, this simply means divvying your time up for certain activities or sharing the experience. If you are at a loss as to what kind of activity you can bond over, check out these ten great ideas:

Read Together

Reading together is something you can do from the moment they are born. Of course, the reading together part won’t come till later, but simply reading to your daughter is a great way to spend time with her. Once she’s grown up and can read on her own, take turns. Not only is this a great way to spend quality time together, but it’s also how you can read more, nurture a love of reading in her, and a great way to keep talking throughout the week. Reading together is a great option whether you are away at work often or are consistently at home.

Recommended: One-on-One

Watch Shows (But not Binging them)

Netflix and other streaming services have made it possible to binge watch television shows in one sitting, but if you want to better bond with your daughter, you won’t binge it with her. Have a show that you two love to watch and spread it out. This could be one episode a day, an episode a week, or so on. That way you can enjoy the episode and talk about it and discuss it at length afterwards.

Recommended: One-on-One or Family

Have Movie Nights

This might seem like a similar point to the previous one, but what makes movie nights different is the effort you put in. Popcorn, thick blankets, and a great movie that you’ve grown up loving are a great way to share an experience with your daughter. You could even make it tradition to have a pizza for dinner. The best part is that since you have seen these movies before you can talk together while you are watching it, and discuss it afterwards over food.

Recommended: Family

Cook Together

Everyone should know how to cook (including you), and cooking together is a great way to bond. That’s why you should start cooking with your whole family. Try out different recipes, put an emphasis on healthy eating, and so on. The healthier your meals, the better your children will able to take care of themselves as they get older.

Recommended: Family

Build Something Together

From furniture to a science or craft project, building something together is a great way to bond. That’s because it challenges the mind and the body, and as soon as you challenge yourself in this way you share a special experience with the person that you are doing it with. It’s a great way to teach your daughter, spend time with her, and to create something that you can reminisce on for years to come.

Recommended: One-on-One

Go on Hikes

Chances are, there are great hiking opportunities near you. This could be through a local, state, or national park. Hiking is a great physical activity that encourages you to talk to each other, rather than spend time on gadgets. It is also how you can enjoy the sights of nature. Whether you are going one-on-one, or with the whole family, remember to bring lots of water, some snacks, and perhaps a camera.

Recommended: One-on-One or Family

Camping

Whether you go to a campsite or camp along a trail, the time spent in close quarters is time to bond. The further away you are from civilization, the less likely you’ll be within cell signal. You can download movies to a tablet, or go old-school and bring a deck of cards and a few books. The only thing you need to remember is that not everyone enjoys camping, and if they do there is a difference between camping out at a designated campsite and being alone in the woods. Work your way up and bring those who enjoy the experience.

Recommended: One-on-One or Family

Play a Sport Together

Being active is important, though sports aren’t for everyone. If your daughter is interested in sport, practice and play with her. It’s a great way to stay fit and bond.

Recommended: One-on-One

Interactive Games

There are so many possibilities today. You can do things you’d never expect. One of the most fun examples is a Mystery Murder Subscription. It’s the best parts of reading and an activity combined, where you and your daughter can work to solve a mystery together.

Recommended: One-on-One

Travel

Travel is the combination of many fun bonding activities and being in a new place. While younger families should aim to travel together, as your children become adults you can find it incredibly rewarding to go on one-on-one trips. That way you can learn who your daughter is as an adult, what she likes, what’s happening in her life, and more. This is particularly important if you don’t stay in touch as often as you’d like.

Recommended: One-on-One or Family

Once you’ve tried out these ideas narrow these activities down to the few that you and your daughter really enjoy doing. That way you can spend quality time together doing what you both love, instead of doing what only one of you loves to do. If you have more than one child who loves doing an activity, bring them together. The only thing that you need to consider is ensuring that each child feels like they have a strong relationship with you on their own terms. Do this consistently, and you’ll build an unbreakable bond that will carry on throughout your lives.

5 Signs That Your Daughter Suffers from Anxiety (And How to Help)

December 27, 2017 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

These days, it seems there’s so much more for us parents to worry about. Technology has enhanced our lives in many ways, but it also poses a major challenge for our kids. Overexposure and online bullying are two topics that are close to any dad’s heart. But on top of that, teen depression, anxiety, and suicide rates are at an all-time high.

Those of us with teenage girls should be especially concerned with suicide rates because of an alarming spike in this demographic. There’s also a startling correlation between anxiety, depression, and addiction or substance abuse.

So, it’s important to look out for signs that something is not quite right.

Look for the following signs that your daughter is suffering from anxiety.

Physical symptoms of anxiety

One of the most dangerous things about anxiety is that it often manifests itself physically, so your child may not even be fully aware that anxiety is the root problem. The following signs may indicate that your daughter is dealing with anxiety:

Constipation without medical reason
Unexplainable stomach aches
Rapid heart rate
Insomnia
Fatigue

Refusing to go to school

If there’s a stark change in your daughter’s attitude towards school, she may be experiencing anxiety. Talk to her about what’s going on there. Conflict with friends, bullying or stress over grades are all things that can cause or worsen a child’s anxiety.

Emergence of rituals

There’s a subtle difference between ritual and routine. Brushing your teeth before bed is routine. But if you notice that your daughter must brush her teeth in a certain sequence each night, this may be a ritual. Rituals are repetitive behaviors that must be completed in a set order. In this example, if your daughter gets interrupted while brushing her teeth, she may need to start over. If your daughter has a ritual, she will fight to complete the tasks in a very specific way.

Withdrawal

If your daughter starts withdrawing from her normal activities, anxiety may be the cause. When kids become anxious about a specific outcome, it’s normal for them to avoid the activity. For example, your daughter who used to enjoy sports suddenly won’t play basketball or softball; anxiety is one possibility. She may have a fear of failure or of getting hurt. There’s only one way to find out what’s going on, and that’s to talk about her behavior.

Social isolation

Your daughter could have a form of social anxiety if she avoids large groups of people. She may stop wanting to go to large family events or her friend’s big birthday parties. If you notice this behavior, talk to her about the patterns and why she’s feeling the way she is.

Anxiety is more of an issue than many of us realize because it can lead to things like depression and substance abuse. If you notice that your daughter is exhibiting signs of anxiety, talk to her first. You may be able to help her find healthy ways to deal with her stress.

If she doesn’t open up or if you think her problem is severe, try getting her to a counselor.

Perfect Father – Daughter Video for Fathers Day

June 8, 2011 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment