This month, we celebrate Dad’s and all they do for their families. In my last blog, I discussed the valuable skills we teach children when we help them honor and celebrate Mom. It’s time to review these again as we help children celebrate their fathers.  In my experience, Dad’s don’t generally seem to build up and feel pressures about Father’s Day as Moms do about Mother’s Day; however, most people like to be appreciated for what they contribute to the family and Dad’s are no different! When you help children celebrate their fathers, they learn valuable skills about participating in relationships and family life.

In case you missed the last blog about Mother’s Day:

One way to do this, is to focus on your family values about celebrations. What do you want your children to learn about valuing each other and about how to celebrate someone? How is it similar or different from what you learned in your family about celebrations? Focusing on what you want to teach your children can reduce pressures and blame. It can create common purpose for the adults. After all, your children may one day form families of their own, benefiting from what they learned about how you show the ones you love that they are valued.

Here are some tips for supporting children in honoring Dad this Father’s Day and helping them learn skills about giving in relationships:

  1. Ask Dad how he would like to be celebrated.
  2. Ask children to think about what Dad would like, based on what they know about him. This encourages children to really pay attention and know things about the people they care most about.
  3. Encourage children to make and create. Hand made cards and gifts, or making his favorite meal, are extra special; they represent the gift of time spent creating and they are priceless originals.
  4. Encourage acts of service. Another way to give time is to do something for Dad that he would appreciate. Wash his car, clean the garage, pull some weeds. Remove something from his “to do” list.
  5. Write words of appreciation. In a card or on a photo or drawing, say appreciative about Dad.
  6. Spend time together making memories and having fun.
  7. Give Dad some time to do something he rarely gets to do; nap, golf, read the paper uninterrupted, sit in the sun.

This month presents another opportunity for children to learn ways to celebrate and value those they love. Whether parents are in one home or two, support children in honoring and valuing their fathers. Give children the opportunity to feel the good feelings of giving. Help them learn positive ways to strengthen relationships that will serve them well. Help them build and maintain these skills through other celebrations throughout the year.

To Dads: Happy Father’s Day! Know that you are appreciated and valued for your family contributions.