How to celebrate Father’s Day
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It's the time of year to pay tribute to the men in our lives. I'm talking about Father's Day, which falls on 15 June this year.
I think we are all guilty of giving Father's Day less attention than Mother's Day. Perhaps it's because fathers of the past were more distant in their relationships with their children, causing their role as a father (versus that of a breadwinner and disciplinarian of the last resort) to be less valued or celebrated. Or perhaps it is because fathers, like my own father and my husband, are happy not to make too much a fuss about the occasion. But in this era of hands-on dads, it is certainly appropriate for us to take the time to honour and show appreciation for Dad, and let them know that they are as important as Mum.
Restaurants have started trotting out their celebratory Father's Day menus, but if you'd like to do something different, here are six suggestions on how to make Father's Day special for Dad:
1. Have a BBQ party
I don't know many men who don't love their meat. So celebrate the day with a BBQ party to let dad enjoy all the meat he wants. (Or vegetables, if he is so inclined.) Get dad a nice, ice cold beer to relax with while mum and the kids get to work getting the BBQ up and running. If you want a fuss-free BBQ, consider ordering a BBQ package from a BBQ supplier or caterer. These packages helpfully come with just about everything you'd need for a successful BBQ—from charcoal to tongs, to cooked food and marinated meats plus desserts and drinks. If your party is large enough, you could even book a chef to take charge of the barbecuing. This way, Dad will truly be able to kick back, have his meat and eat it.
2. Try a new activity as a family
Break out of your routine and try something new together with dad for Father's Day. I recently had the opportunity to attend a family fencing session and we all had a lot of fun learning something new together. Get the family together to go ice skating or rent pairs of inline skates for a spot of skating in the park. Go for a family art jamming session. Try your hand at rock climbing. If you're feeling more adventurous, go camping. Create some new experiences together that may become the sort of thing that you talk about for years to come.
3. Wash dad's car
Get little hands busy and surprise dad by taking the weekend task of washing his car off his hands. Make dad smile by enlisting the kids to give dad's car a vacuum, wash and wax.
4. Let dad decide the itinerary for the day
I am guilty of scheduling my days and weekends with all sorts of activities and spending the most of the day shepherding everyone, including my husband, around to meet this schedule. If you are used to dictating your family's weekend activities, how about letting dad take charge for Father's Day? I've already promised my husband that whatever he decides, I will smile and not complain or nag him about his choices. I think that's a pretty sweet deal!
5. Have a movie marathon
Have the kids help make some popcorn and sit down with the whole family for a movie marathon. Dad gets first pick of the movies—and popcorn! This might be a great time for dad to introduce some of his all-time favourite shows to the kids. I know my husband would relish inducting the kids into the cult of Star Wars.
6. Give dad an afternoon off
Dads need a break too to do what they want. Father's Day might be a good time to grant them that wish. Perhaps you could go a step further and arrange for his friends to be available for a round of golf or some soccer or basketball time, while Mum minds the kids. Or just allow dad to use the time to take a good long nap to recharge. Sleep is always great for the mind, body and soul.
Whatever you choose to do, make the effort the Father's Day to let dad know that you appreciate him for all that he does for the family. Our dads deserve to be validated for what they do.
Vera is a restless don't-stay-at-home-mum who is happiest meeting friends and bringing her two kids out to events and activities around town. She also loves trying out new recipes, planning parties and Instagram. More of her life and exploits can be found at www.lifeisinthesmallthings.com
