Daddy-Daughter dances leave some kids out

We got in on the fun as well and my husband and oldest daughter dressed to the nines with matching corsage and boutonniere. My daughter had an amazing time. My husband did too though he had opinions about "Baby Shark" as a musical choice.

As wonderful as it was to see these two enjoy a very sweet bonding experience, I struggle with the idea of the daddy/daughter dance. I always have and my reasoning is not hard to follow. I didn’t grow up with a dad. When Father’s Day rolled around, I was asked to think about what other male in my life would be worthy of my homemade card. It was usually my Uncle George for what that’s worth. My uncle was great but he wasn’t my dad. Nor was he someone that I would have gone to a daddy/daughter dance with.

While my husband and daughter participated in this year's event through a private dance school in Wake Forest. It was 100 percent our choice to participate. I still struggle with the fact that just the name of the event, the daddy/daughter dance, excludes many. I’m sure they would not have turned anyone away, but I also know that I, growing up with a single mom, would have felt distinctly out of place. When we shared pictures with my Israeli brother-in-law, his first question was why it was only for fathers and daughters.

There are so many different types of families. Perhaps next year, some of the organizations putting on these wonderful events can consider a slight rebranding and call it a family dance rather than a daddy/daughter dance. But that’s just this mom’s opinion.