Spending time together when a little girl is a toddler is one of the most important things that we do as fathers, but sometimes it can be a bit confusing. Little girls love different things than little boys, and fathers often have trouble adjusting. The key is to take off the “man gloves” and dive into the little girl’s world. Here are five great father and daughter toddler activities to grow your relationship to new heights:
1. Get out the Tea Set – Alright Dad, it is time to man up. Every father worth his salt in parenthood has to sit down to the occasional cup of tea with his little princess. I promise, you will not lose even a single man point doing so, but you just might learn some manners.
2. Go to a Game – You drank tea, and now have earned to the right to introduce your little girl to baseball. You will be surprised at just how much she might like it, so prepare yourself. Some little girls like the ball game more than their toddler male counterparts. Go grab a hot dog and take your daughter to the ball game.
3. Go to a Great Movie – Going to the movies is a hit, regardless of how old you are or what sex you are. Your little girl will feel extra special sitting next to Daddy in the great big movie theater. Note: Enjoy this while you can because this will not last long. When they hit middle school you are no longer wanted at the movie theater.
4. Take your Little Girl To Church – Church is one of the greatest places on Earth to grow closer to your children, and your little girl is no exception. Go together and take plenty of time to talk about the sermon and what it means. This time, let her stay with you in the big pews rather than going to the nursery. She will adore you for it and begin her walk with Jesus as well.
5. Go to a Concert. Now this is not just any concert you need to find, Dad. You need to go ahead and get those tickets to Miley Cyrus, Barney or whomever she is into at the time. Little girls want to share this stuff at this age, so you should enjoy it while you can. There will come a time when you will look back and wish you had, so make sure you hold on tight now.
Building a special relationship with your daughter does not have to mean losing your manhood. As a matter of fact, I find the opposite to be true – the more I draw close to my little girls, the more I begin to see the value in tea parties, Ms. Cyrus and especially my manhood. Real men drink tea!
