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Daddy Dates: Four Daughters, One Clueless Dad, and His Quest to Win Their Hearts: The Road Map for Any Dad to Raise a Strong and Confident Daughter

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One day motivational leader Greg Wright realized that the four set of pretty young eyes under his own roof were looking to Dad to be strong, fearless, and wise. The reality was, the lone male in an all-girl household ("heck, even the dog was female") was only thirty years old and felt like he had been shoved into the deep end of the estrogen pool without swimming lessons. That's when the love-struck father of four gorgeous pre-teens started searching for a plan for how to be a successful Dad, and did what any sensible guy would do. He bailed. Not only on his family, but into the woods, to seek a "solution." Daddy Dates is an entertaining and practical look at how one American father found his sea legs and is navigating through the tricky waters of parenting girls. In this game-changing book, Greg shares his easy-to-follow secrets for how married and single dads can go beyond high-fiving to bridge the gender gap and become the clued-in man who knows his daughter best. Dads have more influence on their girls than anyone. Learn what makes your daughter tick, how to talk to her effectively and connect more profoundly, at any age. If being their hero is your mission, it's not impossible. Daddy Dates is your road map to get there. "Hi honey. It's Daddy. I'm calling to see if you'd like to go on a date with me tonight." "Um, yes, Daddy I think I would." It's a phone call Greg Wright has made over and over again. By age thirty, Greg was the overwhelmed father of four beautiful little girls, with one thought running through his mind over and over Don't Screw Up. Daddy Dates is about a guy taking his best shot at being a successful dad by trying to know his girls?really know their fears, dreams, and opinions?and how he stumbled across an incredible strategy to do that with daughters of any age or stage. This funny, insightful, and relatable book poses the wildly original concept that should be a "duh" for most dads?but isn't. In order to raise a confident woman-to-be, show your daughter what it feels like to be treated with love, respect, and true interest by a man who loves her. Daddy Dates is not another "how to" book from a parenting expert. It's a personal, eye-opening, often humorous look at an Average Joe's intentional pursuit of his daughter's hearts and minds, and the love-inspired steps he is taking to solidify Dad's place in each of their lives, forever. Whether married or single, Daddy Dates can help you better connect with virtually all of the females in your life. Using Greg's communication cues, you'll be blown away by what you'll learn about your child, and how you can make a powerful, lasting difference?especially during her rocky teenage years. Daddy Dates is about one thing?becoming her hero?one date at a time. – Matt Crossman , Senior Writer for SPORTING NEWS magazine (and father of 2 daughters)

224 pages, Hardcover

First published May 3, 2011

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Greg Wright

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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
83 reviews
June 7, 2011
Greg Wright writes about the necessity of building and maintaining a strong relationship with his four daughters who range from pre-teen to late teenager.

His story centers on his method of calling his daughters and taking them on “dates.” Not the usual date of dinner and a movie, but quality time with his daughters by taking them to dinner, bookstores, libraries, fancy-schmancy dates or wherever he can have alone time to talk, to get to know his daughters, and to learn their likes, dislikes and current problems.

With an early teen daughter myself, I particularly appreciated his discussion of girls maturing, becoming teenagers, starting to date, and eventually moving on to college. He has had many of the same struggles I have had and many of the same joys. I enjoyed reading his perspective, his shortcomings, his successes, and his failures then comparing them to my own. Nevertheless, parts of the book just weren’t me. I’m not sure I will ever call my daughter to ask her out, then show up at my own front door and knock like I am at a stranger’s house.

I give the book three stars largely because of the flow. I slogged through the book, but several times wanted to put it away and read something else. Someone who has a good relationship with their daughter(s) and spends quality time with them may find comfort in a similar perspective, but the book likely won’t shed much light. But for those dads, like Greg, who are distant from their daughters and want to draw closer, perhaps even becoming a confidant, this is an excellent book to give you some ideas and suggestions.
Profile Image for Melissa Roach.
52 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2011

Daddy Dates: Four Daughters, One Clueless Dad, and His Quest to Win Their Hearts:
The Road Map for Any Dad to Raise a Strong and Confident Daughter by Greg Wright

Description:
Daddy Dates gives the average Joe easy steps to actively and successfully engage with his daughter and raise a confident woman-to-be.

When faced with the reality of raising four (4!) teen daughters, Greg Wright went on a soul quest. He came back with a mission: Don’t Screw Up.

This funny, insightful, and relatable book poses the wildly original concept that should be a “duh” for most dads—but isn’t: In order to raise a confident woman-to-be, show your daughter what it feels like to be treated with love, respect, and true interest by a man who loves her.

Daddy Dates shows the average father how to actually do that. It is written in an original voice and will appeal to both men and women. It is the kind of action-oriented “how to” material that guys enjoy, and so many others will recommend to other dads.

My thoughts:
In this book, the author, Greg Wright, sets the bar for how to raise teenage daughters. A father of four girls, he shares how he started to "date" each of his daughters. These dates evolved from his desire to show his young princesses what they should expect from a man who truly loves them - something that I truly believe every daddy should do for his daughter.

I have read so many articles that state the way a woman is raised by her father will determine the person she will become, or the future relationships she may have. Wright does a remarkable job of what sharing "what girls want" which is to pay attention to them, listen to them, and truly take an interest in their lives. These simple, yet profound statements which can be found throughout the book is what truly makes this book worthwhile.

In an effort to help them develop good habits and appropriate behaviors in dating, Greg decided to invest his time and energy into making his daughters feel special. This book is a journal of sorts of those dates and what Greg learned about his girls. Greg also learned a lot about himself and his relationships with the women in his life.

This book is perfect for fathers who are looking for inspiration on how to improve their relationships with their daughters. Greg gives interesting ideas for dates and walks the typical "father" through the process of starting the journey.

Getting to know each daughter's personality and likes and dislikes has helped him establish meaningful relationships with each one of his daughters. And, possibly it could help you (or your spouse) too!

My favorite chapter (among the many) was "Lucky Number 13" where he took each daughter on a big date when she turned 13. He made it a very special get all dressed up kind of date. He shared with her about what is on boys' minds. He talked about how valuable a person she is. He explained the family principle of not dating until college. He also explained about the intimacy of sexual relationships and why it is best to wait for the "I Do". He then presented them with a special ring to wear on their left hand until the time that a young man will put his own ring on her finger.

A great book for any dad that has daughters to read! Greg Wright's daughters are lucky girls to have such a Daddy! I can only hope to convince my husband to read this one for our little girls :)

To learn more about this book, you can visit the author's website, or purchase your own copy where books are sold including Amazon.

Thank You so much Booksneeze & Thomas Nelson for letting me review this book! I absolutely love being apart of your bloggers reading program :) Take care and I look forward to reading more books from you in the future!


Post published by Melissa Roach, our Product Review & Giveaway Specialist.
Melissa is a Full Time Mom & Blogger HERE (please check out her blog!)

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."
Profile Image for Daniel Butcher.
2,945 reviews2 followers
April 21, 2011
Greg Wright has been asked by lots of other dads, how did you get such a good relationship with your daughters? Wright explains his journey to better relating to his four daughters in Daddy Dates. As a father of four girls, Wright came to the realization that he was struggling as a dad. In reflecting, and trying to be logical and planful, to overcome this problem, Wright developed a mission statement, “Don’t Screw Up.” He realized as he considered his relationships that as a teenager he was an expert dater and that in dating a man, or boy, seeks to know more about the female he is pursuing. So Wright, relying on past successes decided to date his daughters. He outlines his rules for daddy dates, the rationale behind some of his choices around daddy dates and how daddy dates have changed as his daughters have grown older. One of the keys to daddy dates is Wright teaching his daughters how they should be treated by the young men that eventually will pursue them romantically. Wright calls his daughters on the phone to make dates, which they can refuse, picks them up at home and shows them the courtesies that any father would want a young man to give their daughter. He is even know to dress up for their time together. In the end, Wright does not claim to have all the answers, in fact he notes he is still learning. Wright makes it clear that daddy dates are about interacting with his daughters so he can learn more about them while also sharing life lessons. A daddy date where no conversation has occurred is a failure.
This book is short and easy to read. As a father of a young girl the topic instantly had me hooked. What dad doesn’t want to get advice from another dad, especially one that has established solid relationships with his girls. Additionally, the book has led to discussion within my house. My wife and I have discussed daddy dates in detail as I read the book. These conversations went beyond the daddy date concept but grew to include how we would like our daughter to learn self respect and what she should expect from boys. Not everything Wright proposes may be for every family. In Wright’s house romantic dating is not allowed, it is daddy’s turn to date his girls others can date his daughters later. For my family that is an issue that we have not made a decision on. But again, it’s very beneficial to see another couple’s rationale for that decision and how they have implemented it in their own home. Regardless your opinion of daddy dating, this book definitely sparks discussion amongst parents.

Review Copy Provided by Thomas Nelson
Profile Image for Chris French.
40 reviews2 followers
July 31, 2014
I received this book free from booksneeze.com from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for a review.

If you want to catch something you’ve got to chase it. Greg Wright works off this philosophy in his book. If you want to know your daughter you must pursue her with the intent of knowing her heart. He does this not only in daily life, but in something he calls Daddy Dates. He recognizes an interest one of his daughters has, let’s say books, and takes her to dinner and a bookstore.

His goal during dinner is to pick her brain and see how she thinks. One topic could be what kind of criteria she uses to pick friends. You don’t come right out and hit her with that question though. You ask non-threatening open- ended questions and give her your undivided attention. These dates are to make her feel special and show her how a man that loves her for who she is treats her. Who better to teach her about men than her father?


I really enjoyed this book. He’s very practical in it and very straightforward. He doesn’t claim to have it all figured out, but he does have several good ideas and a well thought out process for making your daughter into a woman. For instance, what do you talk about on these dates? You talk about her! These dates aren’t for you. The date is to make her feel special and to get to know her. He’s got several do’s and do not’s for Daddy Dates, such as do call her and formally ask her out, do bring her flowers, do open the car door for her, do tell her she looks beautiful. Some of the don’ts are don’t answer your cell phone (no matter who it is), don’t go somewhere you can’t talk, don’t go to places because you like those places (this date’s about her, not you).

Another do is do ask questions and do listen. You should be talking only about 20% of the time. Let her talk. Do have a general theme you want to explore during the date, like what kinds of boys she’s interested. You’re not really there to tell her to do or not to do something. You’re there, especially as they get older, to help them think thru their thought processes and draw out the pros and cons of any given situation.

A lot of the stuff he says is common sense, but I don’t see many dads putting this stuff into practice so I’d recommend the book. Don’t think one blog post will make you a better father. You’ve got to study your daughter daily: they change!
6 reviews
August 17, 2011
I have received the book "Daddy Dates: Four Daughters, One Clueless Dad, and His Quest to Win Their Hearts: The Road Map for Any Dad to Raise a Strong and Confident Daughter" by Greg
Wright from the book publishing company booksneeze.com.


I really enjoyed reading this.What I liked about reading this book is that Greg Wright introduces each chapter by telling about each of his four daughters. After he introduces his daughter, he will tell about how he learns about his daughter by taking her out on a date. Once on the date, he asks the daughter questions, and has a conversation with her, etc. etc.
This book is for the every dad out there wanting to gain a better relationship with his daughter(s) or to draw closer to his daughter(s). Wright gives tips about what to say and what not to say. This is not like an 'answers' book, well it sort of is, but the author doesn't tell you how to get perfect children in seven simple and quick steps. You know what I mean? I recommend this book to everyone. =)


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.”
Profile Image for April.
36 reviews2 followers
May 9, 2011
When I first glanced at this book, I thought it was about a single father "getting back in the game", so to speak, and how he helps his children become accustomed to the idea, but it's really about a father who wishes to remain close to his daughters and get to know them better, so he proposes they go on "daddy dates". Written by Greg Wright, this is his personal pursuit to stay ingrained in their hearts and minds, forever.

The concept of "Daddy Dates" (days set aside for just Father and Daughter) is a really good one, and Wright includes a list of "Top 15 Daddy Dates" at the end of the book to help guide the readers in the right direction, should they wish to pursue something like this with their own daughters. A personality test is also included, to assess your knowledge of your daughter.

The book is easy to read because it is mildly humorous, and the author doesn't come off as if he is preaching, or is a relationship guru. It's a more honest book, because he doesn't claim to know-it-all, and shares not only the successes of his Daddy Dates, but the failures as well.

Since I am not a father, I wondered if this book would even be relevant to me. But, as a mother, I see a lot of advice and ideas within that I can use with my own daughter whom I butt heads with often, to make us closer. It's a great read, and would make a nice Father's Day gift, or would be a good read for any father of girls.
Profile Image for Eric Dunn.
78 reviews5 followers
January 30, 2012
Daddy Dates by Greg Wright is a thought provoking and often humorous book about a father raising 4 daughters. In this book Greg lays out his road map for what he calls "daddy dates". The concept behind it is so simple that it's beautiful. He calls his daughters and sets up real live dates with them. He picks them up from their house (which is also his house), takes them out for a date, and then brings them back home. This probably sounds pretty simple, but there's so much more.

The genius of his idea is that during the date he actually spends time listening to his daughters and learning about them as people. You may be thinking to yourself that that's stupid because everyone should do that, but they don't. Many times we just lay out a list of rules for our kids and leave it at that. He has taken a hands on approach to learning what his daughters like, who they hang out with, and a host of other things. All the while he is shaping and molding his daughters into wonderful women who are well grounded and well balanced.

I applaud Greg for his approach to raising his daughters and I would recommend this book to anyone that is raising kids (sons and daughters both). Not only would I recommend this book; I would recommend adopting Greg's approach of "daddy dates". I know that I'm going to be doing this with my 18 month old daughter when she gets older. Thank you for the wonderful book and ideas Greg.

This book is a must read!
Profile Image for Tracy Smith.
212 reviews48 followers
May 10, 2011
Take a real dad, with a real passion for parenting and loving his daughters, and you have the basis for "daddy dates". This book takes the basic concept of dating and turns into one of the best tools that any man could have on his bookshelf. By really and genuinely focusing on his daughters and what their opinions, thoughts, and dreams are, as they go out together on different excursions, this dad learns what really makes them tick. By showing these young women that they matter the most in his life by creating these outings, gives them the basis for becoming very confident, self-assured, loving adults.

I really didn't know what to expect from this book, but was genuinely delighted. It made me laugh from the very first sentence and I thought "wow" here's a man who's not afraid to put it out there and just laugh at himself and his "manisms."

I think Greg Wright did a wonderful job creating this book. By using humor and an awful lot of common sense, this dad could really help out alot of men out there to finally begin to understand the women in their lives.

I would highly recommend this book to any dad raising daughters or just about to any man who wants to really know the woman in his life.

This book was provided to me by the good people at Booksneeze for my honest review.
Profile Image for Julie Graves.
978 reviews38 followers
April 27, 2011
"THE ROAD MAP FOR ANY DAD TO RAISE A STRONG AND CONFIDENT DAUGHTER"

In Greg Wright's book Daddy Dates he shares with the reader his insights into dating his 4 daughters. Having 4 daughters made him realize that he wanted to be involved in their lives and invest in their lives. He came up with the concept of dating his daughters and has shared in his book how a Dad can go about doing that.

Getting to know each daughter's personality and likes and dislikes has helped him establish meaningful relationships with each one of his daughters.

My favorite chapter was "Lucky Number 13" where he took each daughter on a big date when she turned 13. He made it a very special get all dressed up kind of date. He shared with her about what is on boys' minds. He talked about how valuable a person she is. He explained the family principle of not dating until college. He also explained about the intimacy of sexual relationships and why it is best to wait for the "I Do". He then presented them with a special ring to wear on their left hand until the time that a young man will put his own ring on her finger.

A great book for any dad that has daughters to read! Greg Wright's daughters are lucky girls to have such a Daddy!
Profile Image for Wilma.
5 reviews5 followers
Read
April 30, 2011
by

Greg Wright

214 pages

Well I only have one have one daughter who is grown.So why am I reading this this book.I also have four granddaughters who are old enough to date.

I like the way he takes his girls out on their first date at the age of 13.He wants them them how they should be treated on a date.These days boys don’t find it necessary to call and ask for a date.they text or send a email.

When their dad picked them up he brings flowers,open the car door and shows them you don’t have to spend a lot money on a date to have a good time.

How shares with his daughters what is on boys minds.He tells them about

who valuable she is as a person.He explained about the intimacy of sexual relationship and how they should wait until they are married.

He gives them a ring to wear on their left hand until their on special man puts a ring on their finger.

This is a great book for anyone with daughters to have.It is ready enjoyable.

I received this book from the publisher through BookSneeze book reviews.I was required to write a positive review.the opinions are my own.

Posted by Wilma at 4:57 PM 0 comments Email This
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Profile Image for Chickadee.
527 reviews
April 29, 2011
Greg Wright, proud father of four daughters, offers insight and wisdom on how he connected with his daughters in his book, Daddy Dates.


Peeling back the layers of what can often be a complicated relationship, Greg tells dads “girls want you to pay attention when they are talking.” Simple, yet profound statements like these are all throughout this book.


Greg shares the touching (and sometimes tense) moments of his “dates” with his daughters which evolved from his desire to show his young princesses what they should expect from a man who truly loves them.


In an effort to help them develop good habits and appropriate behaviors in dating, Greg decided to invest his time and energy into making his daughters feel special. This book is a journal of sorts of those dates and what Greg learned about his girls. Greg also learned a lot about himself and his relationships with the women in his life.


This book is perfect for fathers who are looking for inspiration on how to improve their relationships with their daughters. Greg gives interesting ideas for dates and walks dads through the process of starting the journey.
Profile Image for Lindsey Baker-whitney.
3 reviews4 followers
July 5, 2011
When my wife and I started to consider kids, we were generally told that boys were great and girls were…well the only advice we got was “LOOK OUT”. After recently having a daughter myself, I was eager to find a book that could provide some practical insights into being an effective dad. From the start, Greg used the book Daddy Dates as an effective medium to touch on all the issues that I as a new dad started to fret over. Girls face tremendous pressure from media, the social scene, as well as at home, and all I wanted was to be a guide through this rough passage. Even though the idea is simple and spawned from common sense, it is often those small ideas that are overlooked while we search for the great solution. I am grateful that I came across Daddy Dates as it has given me a new outlook on fatherhood. It has also given me the courage to have a real and hopefully impactful relationship with my own daughter. I recommend this book to any struggling or overwhelmed father of girls.

(My husband, Mike wrote this review).

Check out more reviews on my GrowingKidsMinistry.com blog
Profile Image for Seth.
622 reviews
May 6, 2012
A quick and easy read with a simple focus, Wright’s book is a roadmap to successful fatherhood of daughters through the lens of intentional, focused daddy-daughter dates from an early age. My own daughter is still a toddler, so much of Wright's perspective and ideas I filed away for future use, yet I gleaned much from his experience. The teen years are still so far away in my mind—and impossible to even attempt to fathom at this point—that the best parts for me involved the early age and just getting to know my daughter: how she thinks, what she likes, listening to her concerns, etc. The chapters start to get a bit repetitive, and it’s not like Wright breaks any new sociological ground; he’s just a guy who decided to do fatherhood differently than what he saw around him, and has reaped sweet fruit from it in his relationships with his four daughters. Recommended for any father in any stage of life with his daughter(s).
Profile Image for bLueRLyN.
82 reviews5 followers
February 15, 2013
Mr. Greg Wright sure hit the jackpot when it comes to winning the hearts of his four daughters. And it was downright awesome that he got pushed into writing this book about his Daddy Dates, more so, it was wonderful to get a clue of what's going on inside a dad's head, particularly one that has daughters. We all know our dad's wanted the best for their little girls, but it is refreshing to know that dad's would also like to connect to their girls, regardless if she's four, thirteen or past thirty. Not to mention how fascinating it is to read how a man paints an accurate picture of the female brain.

This book is highly recommended not only to all dads of little girls, but to husbands and boyfriends as well. If you want a front row seat on your girl's mind to either get to know her better or find a way to navigate the inner workings of your girl's mind, this book will definitely help.
Profile Image for Dale.
1,948 reviews66 followers
July 21, 2012
What a great idea.

In a world where so many kids are disconnected from their families, Greg Wright is determined to be a large part of his four daughters' lives. The only way to do this is to spend time with his girls - lots of time (I once had a principal tell me that kids spell love T-I-M-E and I have seen nothing in 21 years of teaching to contradict that thought).

The "daddy date" is devoted time just to them as a unique and special person. He achieves this by having "daddy dates" with them. On a daddy date he picks up the girl at home, takes her to a restaurant and/or an activity (not a movie, but an activity that promotes conversation) that she would like. Finally, starts a discussion with her and mostly listens. As a bonus, he is modeling the kind of behavior a special young man should show them when they go on dates...

Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2011/...
Profile Image for Andrew.
212 reviews
January 18, 2012
Good book. Biggest strengths are the repetitive principles behind Daddy Dates and the practical examples (both successes and failures).

Because it was published by Thomas Nelson I expected more appeals to biblical commands and/or biblical principles (especially from Wisdom Literature), but this could have been written by any dad who desires to love his daughters well.

I'll keep it around for ideas as my daughters grow, but it's not a go-to parenting book.
Profile Image for Joshua Smeltser.
5 reviews1 follower
September 17, 2015
I appreciated the ideas that this book inspired for spending time with my daughter, but it's a good thing it's a short read. I really hate non-fiction that's written using an "everyman" tone. I'm sure the writer intends to put the reader at ease, but it always leaves me with the impression that the writer is just a lazy boob.
Profile Image for Jeremy.
8 reviews7 followers
October 11, 2012
Solidly practical. While the theological neat nick in me struggled on multiple occasions, I appreciated his straight forward and simple truth regarding the importance of being a present father who loves his daughters (and how doing daddy dates is a great tool for doing that)
Profile Image for Wilson Luong.
16 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2013
I loved this book. The whole time I imagined Lucy & I. The author is funny and witty, and I would recommend this book to any father who has a daughter and looking for ways to create that special daddy daughter relationship.
Profile Image for Justin.
6 reviews
April 23, 2011
A must read for any dad with at least one daughter.
Profile Image for Brooke.
48 reviews
July 30, 2011
Every dad with a daughter (or wife even) should read this! Loved the advice and shared experiences.
Profile Image for Emily.
681 reviews34 followers
March 23, 2012
Go on quality dates with your daughters!! There, now I saved you the trouble.

Really it's a cute little book, Tom read it too.
Profile Image for Tonya Mandich.
5 reviews5 followers
June 17, 2012
Great for Dad's who really want to know how to grow close to their daughters... and model for them what to look for in a husband.
Profile Image for Peter.
174 reviews3 followers
September 5, 2014
As a father of six daughters, I could relate to this dad. The book is full of reasons to spend time with your daughters, ideas for dates, and humorous and touching examples from his own family.
Profile Image for Jonathan.
20 reviews
June 14, 2012
Contains some good suggestions for getting to know your daughters. Humorous and conversational.
Profile Image for Joseph.
1 review
September 1, 2014
Good book. Quick and easy read. Useful information I plan to use as my daughter grows.
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