Dating your daughter

Dating your Daughter
I have never been accused of being a romantic. My poor wife got jammed in the romance department when she said “I do”. However, I have learned that to be the husband God has called me to be, I have to be intentional with this love language thing. That’s not just true with wives, but with kids, also. In his book, Never Mind the Joneses, Tim Stafford shares that it is critical for dads to go out on “dates” with their children.
“We do elementary training in how men and women like to treat each other. They give instructions on how to open doors, help with coats, use proper table manners and carry on conversation. Knowing how to treat a man or woman as a special and valued creature helps lay the groundwork for faithful relationships.”
So, last week I was given two tickets to a Hornets game at the Ford Center. I thought, “Great! This will be another dad/son time for Ben and me.” Before I could invite my son that night, my wife chimed in with “Why don’t you take Rachel on a date?” Take my daughter to the ball game? Well, that’s what I did.

The moment I asked Rachel, the countenance on her seven year old face
lit up. As the two of us drove to dinner at Jason’s Deli (I had a coupon!), Rachel said, “Daddy, this is the third date we’ve ever been on.” I almost wrecked the car. A guy’s mind doesn’t think like that. I could only remember one! She proceeded to describe all three dates in great detail.

We had a great evening together that night - one that neither of us will
ever forget. My daughter is still talking about it like we went out yesterday. As I reflected on our conversation in the car that night, I realize that I had learned three great lessons about raising kids:
1. From an early age, women remember stuff. I could not believe that my daughter recalled our date from when she was only four. I need to be aware of how much time means with her and how important it is for me to give her my undivided attention when we are together. I should model the way she deserves to be treated on a date.

2. Do not stereotype my children. I have a tendency to take my son, Ben, to sports stuff and my girls to frilly places. Rachel had as much fun going to the Hornets as I did! I need to continue to learn what makes them tick. Proverbs 22:6 (NASB95) says,“Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

3. If I want my children to be protected in the future, I need to invest in them in the present . As men, we worry about the purity of our daughters in this generation of depravity. If I model the way a man should treat a woman before when my children are watching, at least they will have a standard for measuring future relationships.

Now you know my story. Can I pass along a challenge to you this
Valentine’s season? First, take your wife on a date where you give her your undivided attention and attempt that cheesy romance like you did when you first met. Your kids will notice and your wife will remember for years to come.

Second, go on a date with your each of your kids. If you have daughters, take them someplace that is special to them, listen to what they talk about, and enjoy just hanging out with them. It’s cool to take your sons out, too; take time to talk with them about how to make a woman feel special and brag about his mom. Your kids will forget about this long after you do.

Finally, PRAY for your children. Your investment today will pay great dividends for years to come.