Father's Day is traditionally a
day of breakfast in bed and carefully selected (but hardly ever worn) ties.
Whether it's his first or his fifth, what can you do to make this Father's Day
special? We've asked dads what would really make Father's Day great, and here's
what they told us:
1. Eliminate the pressure. What
Dad wants most is to have a day free from any pressure. Even the pressure of
having a "perfect day." Dad would really appreciate no deadlines, no
hassles, no chores, no having to fix anything, and no rushing about on this
special day. Let him really relax so he can enjoy his second wish...
2. Spend time together. Enjoying
each other's company as a family in relative harmony seems simple. But it's so
easy to get sidetracked from your time together when you get caught up in
cooking, taking a quick run to the store, or the temptation to finish up a
project. Get away from the house if you must, but take this day to focus on
spending time together as a family. Go for a walk, have a picnic, lie in a
hammock together, share stories and dreams together. Now that's a day Dad will
really remember!
3. Make romance. Father's Day is
not just a day to celebrate Dad as provider and caregiver for the children.
It's a day to honor your partner as your lover and friend. Make him feel
special by telling him how much he means to you, dressing up for him, treating
him to a massage. Give him a sexy surprise in the morning or steal a few
moments during the day to show him how much you love him.
4. Focus on him. Instead of
planning everything out for him, give him the gift of freedom and choice. Let
him make decisions about what to do and how to spend the day. If he's a sports
fan, accompany him to see a favorite team play. Is fishing his passion? Even if
you're not so keen on bait, go along with him if he wants you to. If he wants a
few hours to himself, indulge him. He deserves it!
5. Bring on the praise. Fathers
want to be appreciated. Tell him how much you need him. Show him how you feel
by writing him a thank-you note detailing the ways he contributes to the
family, how he gives moral and emotional support, what makes him a great parent
and partner. If writing is not your forte, consider making a short family video
for him, or making a big banner in his honor. You don't have to spend a lot of
money on extravagant gifts; your gratitude and love are the greatest gifts you
can give him this Father's Day.
