This Sunday is Father’s Day and millions of Americans celebrate it the wrong way. Why? Because no one asks Dad what he wants, and Dad is too nice to say.
Father’s Day falls on the third Sunday of every June. Although first celebrated in 1910 when Sonora Smart Dodd wanted to honor her veteran father like mothers are on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day became an official holiday in 1972 by President Richard Nixon.
Although Father’s Day is supposed to honor Dads, retailers and even families seem to miss the mark. Here’s some Do’s and Don’ts for this Father’s Day.
Rethink the BBQ celebration
Whenever a BBQ gets planned, someone needs to prepare the backyard, clean the grill, bring out the furniture, work the grill, serve the food, clean up the grill, clean up the backyard……and guess who that is…Dad. And its hot, super hot outside. Not the most fun way to celebrate one’s day. Go out to eat instead. Retailers like it and no one has to do the lifting.
The extended family is coming
Many households this Sunday will see Dad and the in-laws in the same room at the same time. For some this could be a pleasant occasion. For others, uncomfortable and stressful. Wives feel conflicted as they want to celebrate with their Father, but make the day spectacular for hubby. If an issue, I recommend splitting up the day where Grandpa has a Father’s Day brunch and Dad celebrates a Father’s Day dinner. Or designate a different day to celebrate each.
Buying Dad the wrong gift
Avoid the following gifts for Dad:
Grill tools or BBQ Apron– remember the BBQ is a lot of work, don’t remind him of it
Cologne – most men don’t like “parfuming” up….. they wear it for others but it’s not for them
Lawn Mowers – unless its a ride-on, lawn mowers remind Dad of lawn work.
Dress/ Suit Shirts – button-up neck-constricting linens are not one’s most cherished gift. Unless they save him a trip to the department store, buy him something more comfortable.
Funny Underwear – underwear should never be a gift, its underwear….
Personal Hygiene/Shaving Products – this equates to getting a disposable razor for Mother’s Day.
Instead, opt for the following…
Let Dad Have a Real Day Off – Take the kids out and give Dad a day to himself. Sure the kids could give Dad his gifts during brunch or dinner but allow Dad to spend the day how he wants to: in his underwear, taking a much needed nap, going for a drive, fishing, etc. Too bad there’s no skiing in June.
Ask Dad what He Wants – this doesn’t seem to get done all year round. Why not start on Father’s Day? Maybe he wants a Google Home or the next video game installment. Which brings us to….
Gift Cards Make the Best Gift – he can buy what he wants, and not feel awkward asking for it.
A Big Hug and Kiss Hits the Mark – despite any level of macho-ness, Daddies love this. Make him feel special.
Happy Father’s Day!!! Enjoy!
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Daliah Wachs is a guest contributor to GCN news, her views and opinions, medical or otherwise, if expressed, are her own. Doctor Wachs is an MD, FAAFP and a Board Certified Family Physician. The Dr. Daliah Show , is nationally syndicated M-F from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm and Saturday from Noon-1:00 pm (all central times) at GCN.