Dad and Daughter Date Night

On the first Sunday in August falls the unofficial holiday celebrating the special bond between a dad and daughter, Dad and Daughter Date Night. It’s all about spending some good ol’ fashioned time together.

We’re getting behind the event and offering all daughters who dine with their dads on this date a complimentary cocktail (Wellington) or a goodie bag of girlie treats (Auckland).

What’s it all about? 

Doting dads are encouraging families to take part in the unofficial holiday that celebrates the special bond shared between a father and his daughter/s on Sunday 3^rd of August.

In 2011, a group of Wellington fathers who wished they spent more time with their families came up with the idea of Dad & Daughter Date Night.

“It complements similar celebrations honouring family members, such as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day,” says Wellingtonian Mike Egan, Dad and Daughter Date Night founder, “To celebrate the date, there’s one simple rule – spend time together.”

Mike Egan and daugther Sophie

“We live in an increasingly digital world, spending less and less time interacting with our families and forgetting the enjoyment that good old fashioned face to face quality time brings. Dad & Daughter Date Night is just the reminder dads need to make the time for their daughter/s.

“There have been numerous studies carried out on the positive effects a father’s presence has in a daughter’s life – such as boosting self esteem, improving academic success, and lessening anxiety,” says Mr Egan.

One recurring point in these studies is the importance of spending time together. Time is referred to by numerous studies as the ‘greatest bonding element’.

“This is exactly what Dad & Daughter Date Night is about – encouraging dads and daughters to make time for each other.  Whether it’s reading stories, going out for dinner or heading to the beach – it’s time spent together, and that’s the goal,” says Mr Egan.

This will be the fourth year for this family oriented event. Mr Egan reports that the event is getting more recognition with a number of restaurants coming on board with offers and complimentary deals for dad and daughter duos and groups. There were also reports from fathers of DVD evenings, geocaching and playing football.

Dad & Daughter Date Night has a Facebook page with offers and ideas, from the free to the fancy, for ideas on what to do on this date. facebook.com/Dadanddaughterdatenight

In keeping with tradition, Dad & Daughter Date Night falls on a day not a date – the first Sunday in August. This year it will be on Sunday 3rd August.