Why Celebrate Father’s Day?

Father’s Day is a dedicated day to tell the fathers of the world, their responsibility is vital to families. It seems though, that father’s get the short end of the stick compared to moms on Mother’s Day. And yet, a father’s contribution to the family dynamics is just as significant as a mother’s position.

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Related: 6 Ways to Celebrate Mom

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A father (or even a father figure) is an unsung hero. Father’s Day is a day to make an extra special effort to appreciate the important role fathers have in nurturing children. Male parenting helps to build stable societies.

A Father’s Parenting Skills

Sometimes we think that it’s a natural thing to be a parent. Parent-child relationships involve skills and behaviors in addition to emotional support. With the advent of our mother’s leaving the house to work, a father’s parenting role has taken on a different context than even fifty years ago.

A father’s role is sometimes seen as the disciplinarian, but I think that the role a father is much more than that. While it’s true that a father protects and defends the family as a whole unit, he also nurtures and educates by strengthening the family. 

Let’s set aside cultural values and differences because every culture has a different view of a father’s role. Generally speaking, a father binds the family with a cohesiveness and leadership stylethat encourages consistency in communication, routines, and developmental behaviors. A father provides the backbone of a positive parent and caregiver. 

History of Father’s Day

William Smart raised six children alone on his farm in Washington. His daughter, Sonora, is credited with popularizing the day of recognition in 1909. It became an annual event, and soon other towns added the celebratory occasion.

There were many failed attempts at trying to make Father’s Day an official holiday. Cynicism from John Q. Public viewed the idea as nothing more than a commercialized attempt for a mid-year holiday gift-giving event. A permanent national holiday for Father’s was finally signed into law in 1972 by President Richard Nixon. 

When is Father’s Day?

Celebrating fathers did not begin in the United States until the early 20^thCentury, whereas other countries already had an official day to celebrate. Some countries celebrate in March and September. In the United States, Father’s Day is scheduled for the third Sunday in June.

Personal Dad Moments

My kids have an awesome dad. Though our kids are adults now, I can look back on many memories and know that for each special parenting moment, also came more profound respect for my husband as a dad to our kids.

• After working in the heat all day long, he would come home from work, take the crying baby out of my arms to soothe her and allow me to regain my sanity. 
• Our oldest son, when he was about four declared, “It’s ok, dad can fix anything.” And this same child, now a dad himself, has all the qualities of a good father. 
• Our youngest son now works alongside his father.

All this to show that dads are valuable and should be appreciated. Just as moms have a day to be honored, so should fathers.

What are the best Father’s Day gifts?

Finding the perfect gift for dad can be tough. It may seem impossible to figure out what to get someone that seems to have everything already. Simply put, find something that is memorable and unique to him. Your father has been with you through thick and thin, and he deserves to be “King of the Day.”  

• What are his interests?
• Ask what is his favorite thing?
• What is your budget?
• Make it personal or tailor-made just for him.

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

• New Daddy’s 
  • Baby Tactical Backpack
  • Kid’s Memory Book
  • Smart WiFi Baby Camera
  • Jogging stroller

• Not the first rodeo daddy?
  • Framed pictures of father/child
  • Sports event tickets
  • Spa day
  • Matching T-shirts

• Quotes for Stepdads: Great for T-shirts.
  • “I’m not the stepdad. I’m the dad that stepped up.”
  • “Fatherhood requires love, not DNA.”
  • “Stepdads: The men who step up when boys step down.”
  • “Bonus Dad”
  • “The dad that didn’t have to be.”

• Quotes for Dads: Also suitable for t-shirts.
  • “You are the dad that everyone wishes they had.”
  • “When all else fails, call dad.”
  • “Dad: A son’s first hero, A daughter’s first love.”
  • “You are never too old to stop needing your dad.”
  • “The older I get, the smarter my father seems to get.”
  • My favorite: “My father didn’t tell me how to live. He lived and let me watch him do it.”

Sum it up

My own father has a special place in my heart. Some of my fondest memories are helping him wash the car, early morning fishing trips, and a special note that he sent me many years ago. I cherish this note because, in it, he acknowledged me, told me he was proud and encouraged me to pursue my dream of writing. Thanks, Dad, Happy Father’s Day.

In the end, a good parent is someone who puts the need of their child above their own needs and wants. A dad is loving, kind, and patient.  He is a role model that can do all and be all. A dad inspires and encourages his child. A father does all this, not because he has to, but because he wants to. 

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