Father-Daughter Tea Brews Lifelong Bonds
Children’s Institute’s Project Fatherhood program recently hosted its 8th annual Father-Daughter Tea, a special opportunity for fathers and daughters to spend time together in a memorable princess-themed setting.
Roughly 70 people attended the event at CII’s Otis Booth Campus in Echo Park. The dads are enrolled in Project Fatherhood where they learn skills to be active participants in their children’s lives while supporting one another through the program’s Men in Relationships Group.
As a long-time supporter of Father-Daughter Tea, the Junior League of Los Angeles (JLLA) brought 30 volunteers to Saturday’s event. In addition to helping out with the activities, the group provided floral center pieces, nail painting materials and pastries.
Edward Berumen, Senior Clinical Supervisor at Project Fatherhood, said the tea is designed so fathers spend valuable one on one time with their daughters. For many dads, the default is for the mom to take on parenting responsibilities with daughters. Berumen said the program encourages dads to take individual parenting roles with all of their children.
“The key to the event is providing an opportunity for fathers and daughters to interact in a way that can be replicated,” he said. “For many of the dads, this wasn’t something they’ve had the chance to do and we want them to feel like this can be a regular experience.”
While Project Fatherhood hosts other family events throughout the year, including a father-son event, Keith Parker, Director of Project Fatherhood, said there is something special about the interactions at the Father-Daughter Tea.
Anthony and his daughter Faith attended Saturday’s event where they enjoyed the photo booth and nail painting station.
“This event is about the excitement of seeing little girls creating memories with their fathers that they’ll look back on in 20-30 years from now and think about how they got spend one on one time with their dad,” he said.
Project Fatherhood client Anthony attended Saturday’s event with his daughter Faith. Anthony said he appreciates the events Project Fatherhood hosts during the year where he can bond with his children while connecting with other dads. He said his weekly Project Fatherhood group has taught him patience while also offering emotional support during challenging times.
Good+Foundation provided gift bags to each girl including cosmetic items.
“It means a lot to us for everyone to take the time out and create an event where I can sit down and have tea with my daughter,” he said as his daughter showed off her newly painted nails from the nearby manicure station run by JLLA.
In addition to JLLA’s support, Good+Foundation donated gift bags that were filled with makeup, hygiene items, and other special gifts for the girls and their fathers.
To learn more about Project Fatherhood, click here. View more event photos here.