For Father’s Day many years ago, my then 6-year-old daughter bought her dad a coffee mug at the school store that said, “World’s Best Mom.” She said it was the only present left at the store. Sixteen years later, my husband still drinks his morning coffee out of that mug. So, yes, an important skill for a Dad is appreciating the little things kids do that mean so much.
But what else makes a memorable dad? I thought I’d take a random, unscientific survey and ask the question, “What comes to mind when you think of your father?” Here are some of the responses:
Ben (age 6) – “He’s my Daddy!”
Alyssa (age 25) – “A father is someone who loves you and that’s that.”
Fran (early 60’s) – “My father was patient and kind with a great sense of humor. From the time I can remember he was always there for me, and even as our family grew to become a family of 8 children, he never lost his patience, kindness and sense of humor. I was fortunate to have him as a father.”
Roy (mid-50’s) – “My father was my main male role model and provided the blueprint for all the relationships with men that I have today. Taught me the Manly Arts of shaving, discretion, self-control,and how to use a wrench.”
So, there you have it. A father’s work, although many times taken for granted, is nevertheless very needed and all-important. Tell the fathers in your life how much you appreciate them.
by Claire Gawinowicz, Certified Parenting Educator
