Daddy Daughter Date Night

My husband is out on a date with a young blonde while I’m home cleaning house! What’s wrong with that?  He takes our teenage daughter out on a date about once a month, unless we cannot afford it that month. He has been doing this ever since she was 8 years old. I call it “Daddy Daughter Date Night,” but they like to call it “Triple D Night.” I actually appreciate the quiet time alone to get things done around the house.

We are on a very tight budget. The significance of family entertainment on a budget is the way that it draws our family closer together, and teaches our daughter a valuable life lesson about money.

She is given a price point and told that she can order anything she wants as long as she doesn’t go over that certain amount. She has always been very frugal with her choices, trying to get the best value for her money. She’ll even order a free cup of water so that she can get dessert.

Big Fat Chicken Taco vs. Protein Style Burger

They try to get the most bang for their buck, so there are only a handful of places to choose from:

They usually try to make sure that “Triple D Night” is on a Thursday so that they can go to Del Taco for their special deal on chicken soft tacos.  My husband lets her get a “big fat chicken taco” which is wrapped in flatbread instead of a regular tortilla.  She also loves to savor the sinfully delicious caramel cheesecake bites for dessert.  He always orders the supreme burrito with steak. They even try to remember to bring some chicken soft tacos home for me too!

If they have coupons, they like to eat at either Weinerschnitzel or McDonald’s.

For a special occasion, they like to splurge at TGIFriday’s if they have a coupon, or Chili’s with their 2 for $20 deal.

Sometimes they go to In & OutBurger, because my husband likes his burger “protein style” and my daughter thinks that they have the best fries.

Quality Time

Daddy says this is the time for her to ask him questions, and no subject is off the table. He says that he will answer any question she has, no matter what.

When I asked my daughter what they talk about, she said “it’s like talking to my best friend, because we talk about everything and nothing.” Usually they just chat about things like chess, food, school, and books. Sometimes they have really deep conversations about God and different career choices. 

Why?

The purpose of “Triple D Night” is to have quality one-on-one conversation and to show her how a lady should be treated on a date before she starts dating, so he always opens the door for her like a gentleman, just like he does for me every day. They both look forward to this because it is a very special time just for the two of them.  My daughter always gets so giddy whenever it’s right around the corner! 

As a mom, I think “Triple D Night” is very important because a father and his little girl need quality time to bond. That special relationship has cultivated my daughter’s self-esteem, self-confidence, and maturity, helping her to grow into the beautiful young lady that she is today. The greatest lesson this has taught her is how to live on a budget and that you don’t need to spend a lot to have a good time.

Family Tradition

If you would like to start this tradition in your family, may I suggest an excellent resource: Family Life Today.

Suggestions?

If you would like to add to the pool of budget-friendly ideas for Triple D Night, please let us know!