10 Relationship Building Father – Daughter Activities

Today we have a guest post by Halimeh Salem from Crying Toddlers.

Most fathers create an instant bonding when they first see their daughters. Their tiny fingers and warm cuddles help create that bond. However, as their daughters grow up, it is very important to work on holding that bond together. You might think it is easier for a father to build a relationship with his sons because of similar interests, but who says a father can’t build a strong bond with his daughters.

There are so many activities to do with your daughter that can keep that healthy open bond you had once with your daughter. She must feel like she can trust you with anything, and that she could talk to you (not just mom) about anything. It doesn’t matter how old your daughter is, you should always stay connected. If you are interested in creating a stronger relationship with your daughter, keep reading to see the top ten relationship-building father-daughter activities.

Relationship Building Father- Daughter Activities

Activity 1: Father-Daughter Date

This is a very important activity to do. Taking your daughter out on a father-daughter date once a month can create that bond you want. You can take her out to the movies or to a nice family restaurant where you can chat about what she does daily and how she is feeling. Ask her about school, and if there is anything bothering her. Remember, to remind her you love her and that you are okay to talk about anything. If your daughter is a bit younger, you can take her to her favorite park or indoor playground. Remember, to interact with her and show her that you care and love playing with her.

Activity 2: Cook / Bake Together

You might be the worst cookout there like me, but you could still create a beautiful dessert or a simple dish with your daughter. You can have fun and let loose a little (it is okay to make a mess). Most children feel more comfortable when their dads look like they are having fun. Remember, to always ask if there is anything she wants to talk about. If your partner is the one who cooks in the house, this could be a treat for her as well, especially if she is facing monthly female problems. Choose a day when mom is not feeling well, and give your partner a break while creating a strong bond with your daughter.

Activity 3:  Play Games

You should play daily with your child whether they are young or old. During the younger years, healthy development takes place when parents play and interact with their children. It could help them develop academically, socially, and verbally. If your daughter is older, there are so many games like dares for kids that could be fun for both of you. You may not have the time for games if your daughter is a bit older, so instead, try to play a game once a week.

Activity 4: Answer Any Question

This activity involves you coming up with a few questions to ask your daughter and vice-versa. You both must honestly answer the questions. This would help strengthen the bond and support the idea that you both can talk openly and about anything.

Activity 5: Photo Day

Take pictures with your daughter. You can go to a fun park, a mall, or just stay at home. The important thing to do is to take pictures of you and her being silly. Make sure to take some photos of her laughing and smiling. Those are moments you want her to remember when she grows up.

You can collect all those photos and the ones you take during the other activities. Put them all in a  photo album for your daughter to see in the future. It would be amazing to reflect on the happy memories in the future.

Activity 6: Do What Interests Her

Everyone has hobbies and interests. You should know your daughter, and if you do find out. If she likes painting, take her to a painting museum. If she likes riding a bicycle, go on a biking stroll with her. She may like space; there are so many space museums these days. Do what she likes and trust me she will remember these memories forever.

Activity 7: Go To The Beach

Everyone loves the beach. Play with the water. Go swimming. If your daughter is a bit older, you can surf. It would be fun! You cannot go wrong with the beach. Take some food with you, and you can have a picnic on the beach. Going alone to the beach will show your daughter how dedicated you are to building this relationship.

Activity 8: Do Something For The First Time Together.

If you both do not know how to swim, take a swimming class tomorrow. There are so many classes out there that could be perfect for you and your daughter. Some examples include swimming, drawing, surfing, and music. If your daughter is a bit older and you have never attended an escape room before, you can do that together.

Activity 9: Teach Her Something

Dads are known to teach their sons everything in life. You can do this with your daughters too. What interests you? Do you like to fish? Teach her how to fish. Do you like astronomy? Take a telescope and show her the stars up close. You know more than your children. Teach them; everyone loves to learn. You never know; she may like the same things as you do.

Activity 10: Yes Day

You will have to spend the entire day with your daughter. You will have to say yes to everything she asks you to do. If she wants you to do something funny, you must do it. If she wants to go out, you must take her out. Set rules before doing this activity (budget, how far you can travel,  no breaking the law). You could actually use this day to know what she likes to do and what she finds interesting.

Avoid These Mistakes That May Negatively Affect Your Relationship With Your Daughter

• If she doesn’t like something, avoid it. If you go out to the park and she gets bored, change the place. She shouldn’t be forced to do something she doesn’t like.
• Ask her after doing an activity if she had fun and if she would ever want to do it again.
• If your daughter is younger, make sure you do not interrupt her sleep schedule. If she is tired, she will be cranky and not have fun.
• If you are not having fun, tell her because trust me she can tell. If you tell her, next time she will feel more comfortable telling you she is not having fun.
• Try to do these activities when your partner is tired or needs self-care time.
• Father-Daughter time should not involve anyone but you and your daughter. You can have time with the family at a different time.

In Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed these activities. If you have a favorite activity you do with your daughter, mention it in the comments below. Remember, the point of all of these activities is to make your daughter happy and comfortable knowing that you are there for her no matter what. A dad’s influence on his daughter is great. Make the influence positive!

About The Author

Halimeh Salem is an English teacher, a freelance writer, and a mother of two beautiful children, Basem who’s a 2-year-old, and Sama who’s an 8-month-old. They are from California. To pursue her dreams of helping mothers overcome the obstacles of motherhood, she founded her own blog, Crying Toddlers. She loves spending her free time playing with her children and helping others.