All About Dads | Happy to be at Home (via Mowser)

All About Dad

This week’s edition of Mommy Monday is all about celebrating the dads in our lives. Just as a reminder, Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 15. Now, I’m not saying that dads only deserve to be celebrated just one day a year, but it probably will be expected this Sunday. With that in mind, here are some ideas for helping to make the day special.

Do Something Crazy. Let Dad indulge his inner-child for the day. If you have sons, maybe use some couch cushions to build a wrestling ring and cheer on a “cage-match” between the boys. Give mom-approval to something that you would ordinarily discourage. Express your gratitude all day in anyway you can. This can apply to the father of your children and your own father. Make sure you let these men how thankful you are for their fathering role. Share a wonderful Dad-moment memory of your own. Take time to write and present a list of the wonderful fatherly characteristics each man possesses. Find a way to carry this day’s gratitude throughout the rest of the year. Using slips of paper, write a positive quality, a memory, or just an expression of gratitude on each piece. Place them somewhere that Dad can choose one on a regular basis for a boost. This is also a fantastic project to do with the kids. Program Dad’s phone to send an automated message on the 15th of each month with some encouraging words. If you know there is a certain project Dad has been putting off, and if you are able, do it for him. Trust me, this will be immensely appreciated. To take it one step further, set him up with a special treat while you are doing this project. Wash and detail his car with the kids. Not only will you be doing a favor for Dad, you will be setting a good example for the kids of giving gifts of service, and building memories. Make Dad’s favorite meal. Maybe try something new with a re-creation of his favorite restaurant meal. The love that you put into this effort is more important than its success or failure. Last year, I attempted to re-create my husband’s favorite Monte Cristo sandwich from Bennigan’s. While the final product was a far cry from the resaurtant version, Eric was still very touched by the thought and love that went into my efforts. Help the kids make a special gift for Dad. There are many wonderful ideas to be found online. Some options include bookmarks, photo albums, cards, coupon books, hand-printed or kid-painted t-shirts. Put on a play. Have the children act out some scenes of their favorite times with dad. They can take turns playing the part of Dad, or maybe mom could act as Dad. This is a great idea to do for grandfathers also. Ask Dad what he would like to do on Sunday. You may surprised. Perhaps what he would really like is just to spend the day outside enjoying time with the family. Think outside of the box. There are many ways to give a special and creative gift to all of the dads in your life. If you are lacking inspiration, a quick online search of “Father’s Day Gift Ideas” will yield a huge number of suggestions.

All of the above are very frugal suggestions that require only your talent and time. Remember that this is a day to honor and celebrate all of the dads in your life whether you are making a gift or buying one. Discuss the importance of the day with your children and let them play a large role in the celebration. Have fun making it a special day!

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AUTHOR | Kate Miller

Kate, one of the original 3 Moms, is a happy wife and stay-at-home, homeschooling mother of 4 children, ages 9, 4, 3, and 1 1/2. She and her family have spent the past few years purposefully living a simple and frugal life. Along the way, she has learned many frugal and financially-wise tips to help her family save and intelligently spend money while still enjoying an immensely full and wonderful life. You can read more about Kate on her personal blog, A Simple Walk and on her foodie blog, Cooking During Stolen Moments.

Posted by Kate Miller on Jun 9th, 2008 | Filed Under Family Matters