Dwayne Basden’s whole world changed the moment he learnt he was having a daughter.

The 42-year-old has had to wade through unchartered territory: Barbie dolls, tickle sessions and hugs and kisses have all become a way of life since Harli was born six years ago.

He wouldn’t change it for the world.

“I immediately felt overprotective [when she was born] like I might need a shotgun at some point when she’s older,” he joked. “The bond I share with my daughter is priceless. I want her to know that I’ll always be here for her; the more you make her a priority the more likely she’ll always turn to you when she needs you.”

The Royal Gazette spoke with Mr Basden and two other dads in advance of the annual father-and-daughter event, Tiaras & Bow Ties.

If you’re not familiar with it, picture this scene: doting dads and their young daughters dressed in their finery, posing for photos and dancing.

Mr Basden has attended since the first Tiaras & Bow Ties was held in 2013.

“Being with them in the spotlight of the bright lights, compliments and flashing cameras is a unique way for fathers to show how special and important their daughters are, which bolsters a girl’s confidence and self-esteem,” he said.

Studies have shown that girls who enjoy good relationships with their fathers are more likely to develop healthy levels of self-esteem, security, competitiveness and femininity.

They are also less likely to engage in early sexual behaviour or to use alcohol and illegal drugs when they’re young, Mr Basden said.

Father-of-three Michael White found the dance was also a bonding experience for him and his five-year-old, Ysa.

“A friend of mine had suggested it to us last year and being a father of twins, a boy and a girl, you don’t get an opportunity to do things one on one with them very often.

“Ysa loves princesses and balls and I just thought it sounded like exactly the kind of thing that would really appeal to her.

“We both ended up have an amazing time. In the car on the way home she was talking a mile a minute until she fell asleep halfway home. Since then she’s literally been asking me all the time ‘When’s the next one daddy?’”

Mr White, who welcomed another son last week, said he didn’t notice much difference between Ysa and her twin’s personalities until the past year.

“I try not to treat my children any different, but with my five-year-old son I guess there’s a little more roughhousing than I do with my daughter,” he said. “She will do things like wanting to brush my hair for me, so one thing I’ve learnt is just to be more flexible really.”

The biggest lessons he’s learnt since becoming a parent are how to exercise patience and selflessness.

William Brangman’s six-year-old daughter Koa is “his world”.

“We talk about everything and we like to hang out,” he said. “I work seven days a week so I try to make sure I put in that family time and whenever she asks, I don’t care how tired I am, I get up and go places with her.

“We read together every night and we don’t go to bed until we’re able to give a family hug.”

Mr Brangman said he tries to be as honest as possible with his daughter. “Parenting to me doesn’t come with an instruction manual and this is something you can’t get wrong, so when she’s in my space nothing else matters,” he said. “Some people say I’m overprotective, but I don’t care.

“I believe you have to give it to them real because this world has changed, but they grasp things quicker than you’d think.”

Overall he’s found that being a father has made him a better person.

“I lost my mom when I was young. I was 16 and I’m 49 now, but my mom taught me a lot of things and things that I remember to this day,” he said.

“She told me when you have children make sure you’re in their lives and teach them the right way. I was never living wrong, but I didn’t feel my life was where it should be before Koa.

“I’ve always had respect for women, but when I saw my daughter born the respect went up ten million per cent. She amazes me.”

He encouraged men to spend quality time with their daughters, and believes the Tiaras & Bow Tie event is a great opportunity to do that.

• Tiaras & Bow Ties takes place at the Berkeley Institute on Saturday, from 6.30pm until 9.30pm. Tickets, $80, can be purchased at Kit N’ Caboodle, Mae’Z, Sassy and www.bdatix.com. Doors open at 6pm.