Daddy Dates by Greg Wright

How does a father get to know his daughters? How does he become one of the leading influences in her life? These are the questions Greg Wright tackles in his book Daddy Dates. In this book, he lays out "the roadmap for any dad to raise a strong and confident daughter." The book serves to guide fathers in the practice of "dating" their daughters (in a nonromantic, non-creepy way). Dad's are encouraged to take their daughters out on "dates" which revolve around the daughter's interest and provide an opportunity from him to get to know her.   

The book has a good deal of advice. Wright offers tips on how a father can connect with his daughter. He reminds us that men, as fathers and husbands, need to learn how to listen. He rightly suggests to us that there is no substitute for spending time with our daughters. If fathers want to influence their daughters in a positive way, then they have to be connected to their daughters in a vital way. This connection take time and care to develop.

I'm struggling with the terminology of "dating" one's daughter. Wright clearly didn't intend for the concept to be misunderstood, but it still creeps me out a little.

Another thing that bothers me about the book is that it doesn't deal with spiritual issues. Wright speaks about raising "strong and confident daughters," but that isn't the same as godly daughters. I'm not suggesting that he doesn't desire his daughters to be godly, it just not explicitly stated in the book. It is wonderful that non-believer could pick up the book and use it to develop a better relationship with his daughter, but a believer should strive for more than just improved relationships. I was left wondering how the process of dating helped him with the spiritual formation of his daughters.

One final, minor complaint. The books seemed to jump around to me. Some of the chapters, although they were helpful, seemed to be out of place. It could have been better organized. Specifically, the chapters concerning divorced dads and mommy dates interrupted the flow of the book, and would have been better at the end.

Overall, I thought it was an okay book. There were several good stories (no real tear-jerkers, but after all it was written by a man for other men), but there was nothing profound. Men are pursuers. Listen. Don't screw up. I think men with daughters could benefit from this book, but only if they are going to put it into practice.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”