Daddy-Daughter Dances: Help! I Don’t Have a Daddy!

Daddy-Daughter Dances are popping up on social media feeds everywhere, a perennial favorite of churches everywhere. Little faces alight with joy and anticipation, frilly pink dresses, and sparkly Cinderella shoes — these events have all the hallmarks of a fairy tale. Their benefits are many — great bonding experiences for girls and fathers, opportunities for daddies to teach their daughters how they should be treated on a real date, and the simple yet powerful celebration of the love between father and daughter.

But how does this celebrated event play out for the little girls whose fathers are gone? Here’s what one widowed mother said: “Every year, it hurts so much because my little girl didn’t have a dad.”

Ouch. On so many levels.

So how does your ministry embrace all little girls for a special event like this? Here are some specific ways you can include all girls in your Daddy-Daughter Dance.

Daddy-Daughter Dances: Help! I Don’t Have a Daddy!

Don’t limit.

Make it clear that you’re inviting all girls and the men who are important in their lives. This could be dads, stepfathers, grandpas, uncles, caregivers, guardians, family friends, and big brothers, too.

Do consider renaming your event from a daddy-daughter dance.

A broader name, such as Spring Fling or Princess Ball, is more inclusive and will help avoid children who “don’t fit the mold” feeling out of place.

Do be compassionate.

Reach out to girls’ parents or caregivers to let them know the goal of your event is to honor the special relationship between girls and the important men in their lives. Invite girls whose fathers aren’t present to bring a photo to share of him if they’d like.

Do emphasize the important role.

Emphasize the important role the man plays in the girl’s life, regardless of whether he’s called “Daddy,” “Uncle Bob,” or “Mario.”

Do keep the focus on celebration.

Your event can be a joyful memory for everyone when you find ways to be inclusive of girls in all situations.

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