Hey dads! Welcome to Dad Connection in 5, your quick, practical guide to building a stronger bond with your daughter—one conversation at a time. I’m Dr. Christopher Lewis, and today, we’re diving into The Power of a Daily Check-In and how a few simple questions can make all the difference in your relationship.

Why Daily Check-Ins Matter

Life moves fast. Between school, activities, work, and everything in between, it’s easy for meaningful conversations to slip through the cracks. But here’s the deal—checking in with your daughter every single day helps her feel seen, heard, and valued. It tells her, “I care about what’s happening in your world,” and that builds trust over time.

The best part? It doesn’t take hours. Just five minutes of intentional conversation can create a lifelong habit of open communication.

Practical Tips: How to Make It Work

1. Find Your Moment
The key is consistency. Choose a time that works naturally in your day:

• Over breakfast if mornings are your thing.
• On the way to school—car rides make great check-in moments.
• Right after school before she gets lost in homework or screens.
• At bedtime, winding down and reflecting together.

There’s no right or wrong time—just pick what fits and stick with it.

2. Ask Simple, Open-Ended Questions
Skip the boring “How was your day?” because you’ll probably get a one-word answer: “Fine.” Instead, try these:

• “What was the best part of your day?” (Starts with something positive!)
• “Did anything surprise you today?” (Encourages curiosity.)
• “What’s one thing that made you smile?” (Focuses on joy.)
• “Was there anything challenging today?” (Gives her space to open up.)
• “Is there anything I can do to make your day better?” (Shows support.)

These questions help her reflect, process emotions, and feel connected—and they invite a real conversation, not just a yes-or-no exchange.

3. Be Fully Present
Put the phone down. Look her in the eye. Listen without interrupting. If she shares something small, react as if it’s big—because to her, it is.

Quick Takeaways: Start Today!

Here’s your challenge: Before the day is over, ask your daughter one of these questions. Pick your moment, be present, and really listen.

And remember, this isn’t about having deep heart-to-hearts every day—it’s about building a habit of connection, so when the big stuff does come up, she knows you’ll be there.

That’s it for today’s Dad Connection in 5! If this was helpful, share it with another dad who needs it. And if you try this with your daughter, let me know how it goes! Until next time—keep showing up, keep listening, and keep building that bond.