We also think this special day for dads should highlight the unique relationship between fathers and their daughters. Girls who have strong, healthy relationships with their dads are more likely to be confident and pursue healthy relationships throughout their lives.
Hopscotch Girls strives to support parents and caregivers in their journey to raising confident daughters. So this Father’s Day, plan one (or more) of these fun family games that encourage bonding with your girls.
Connect with each other on a nature hike
While there is much research to show the benefits on an individual, one university researched the effects of family bonding. San Jose State University found that compared with families that chose indoor activities, those who walked in nature reported less stress, better moods, and more connectedness with each other.
Cook a meal together
Life gets busy, and sometimes having children help in the kitchen can lead to more messes and longer cook times, but when we forget about the mess for a minute, we’re reminded that a kitchen is a great place for connection.
Almost all of our big celebrations and holidays center around a big meal. Michael Pollan, renowned food author, says in his book and Netflix series Cooked, that cooking is the foundation of being human. And if cooking is the foundation of our shared humanity, cooking together is the foundation of our deepest bonds.
Have a one-on-one date
Make special one-on-one time for your daughter(s). Father’s Day is a great opportunity to go out on a Father-Daughter date. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, it can be as simple as running an errand together or as extravagant as a weekend trip.
One-on-one time is important for daughters. It lets her know that they are valued and important. Kids are resilient and smart, they understand that dad is busy, but they also understand when intentional time is spent with them.
Play “All About Dad”
Games are great bonding moments, they bring the family together around a joint cause. Playing a game centered on dad this Father’s Day is a great opportunity for some light fun and more connection.
Have your daughter (or kids), answer questions about Dad and see who knows the most. Some fun questions to ask could be:
- Where does Dad work?
- What does Dad love to do the most?
- What is Dad’s favorite meal?
- When is Dad’s birthday?
Write affirmations for each other
It’s common for children to write affirmations for their dads on Father’s Day, but remind your daughter that affirmations go both ways, and have dad write some about her too. She can write about the reasons she loves her dad and he can do the same about her.
Affirmations strengthen the bond between father and their daughters; they are tangible examples of how and why dads love their girls. I Am Confident, Brave & Beautiful: A Project Book has great writing and drawing prompts for positive affirmations. Share them with dad and have a day filled with loving words and activities.