It’s that time of year to pay homage to dad, with Father’s Day this Sunday, June 17th.
Of course, the day isn’t just about celebrating ‘biological’ fathers – it’s about taking time to honour those who have also provided something of a father figure in a person’s life, too.
Coming in the wake of Mother’s Day, it’s clear that Father’s Day doesn’t quite cause the hoopla that Mother’s Day does, which is an interesting, if not kind of unfortunate thing. After all, a good father is a tremendous gift.
Of course, as with mothers, not everyone is a good, stable or effective parent simply because they are parents. And for those who have experienced abuse at the hands of a father, or who have lost their fathers to death or some kind of separation, this can be a painful day.
However, for those who have been fortunate enough to have had the unconditional love, support and guidance of a good father, it’s a vitally important day to let dad know that he is absolutely appreciated and loved.
A bit of history – It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in the months of March, April and June. It complements similar celebrations honoring family members, such as Mother’s Day, Siblings Day and Grandparents Day.
When we think of our parents, we can see how they influence us in different ways. A good father knows that his kids of course need the basics in life, but more than that even, he knows that they need ‘him’, too. We’ve all heard stories of dads who worked so much outside of the home during those crucial growing up years and were later regretful that they had missed so much – time relentlessly marches on. But that notion, in some ways, seems to be changing.
Today’s modern dad seems more – in general – hands on than ever. Fathers seem to be getting more and more involved in the raising of their children down to the very basics of daily and routine care – and that’s a great thing to see.
It was pointed out recently in social media that Prince Charles often, if not seemingly always, squats down when he speaks to his children so that he’s on eye-level with them. In almost all photos you see, this indeed is the stance he takes with them – which experts have said gives the kids a kind of affirmation; a knowledge that for those few minutes, they are absolutely the focus of his undivided attention. That’s a pretty amazing gift to give youngsters.
Whatever the case, if you have a good dad somewhere who has always been there for you, rooting for you and loving you from near or far, be sure to let him know this Sunday – and all year through – that you appreciate him, and that all of his investment into your life certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed or is taken for granted.
Happy Father’s Day!
