 Courtney Burkholder
Guest Columnist Okay, Moms. It’s our turn. Father’s Day is just around the corner, and as I like to preach the importance of getting it right on our special day, I want to make sure we don’t leave room for complaint on their special day. So get out your pen and paper and take some notes. Father’s Day is one of my favorite holidays. Seriously! I love my children’s excitement as they carry in a plate of undercooked eggs and burnt toast for his yearly “breakfast in bed” prepared by their own loving hands. I love their homemade gifts … glitter-covered picture frames for his desk and decoupage flower pots. His feigned excitement over a hand-painted T-shirt or a tissue-paper necktie truly warms my heart. But I always struggle with what to get for him. “Nothing,” is his usual response when asked if there is anything special he would like for Father’s Day. This is usually followed by a stern, “Please don’t spend a lot of money, honey.” Personally, I cannot fathom this response. If he were to ask me the same question, I would most likely whip out my previously prepared and well-thought-out wish list with a variety of items (and prices) for him to choose from. No spending limit is ever suggested. As it is, I am left to my own devices and imagination to make this his special day. One thing I always try to do is make Father’s Day a family day – a day for him to do something fun and relaxing with the kids. For many fathers, work keeps them away from their children during the day, at night, and often on weekends. My husband looks forward to spending time with the kids as much as possible. So, Father’s Day is a celebration of family. Now, this may not be the perfect day to send them packing on a three-day father-child camping trip or a Daddy-only day at Fiesta Texas. (Come on, would you really enjoy that on Mother’s Day? Of course not.) Complete responsibility for all the kids may not be his ideal way to relax, but a fun, easy-going family day can be just the ticket. How about a day at the zoo and a picnic in Brackenridge Park? Spend the afternoon swimming or take him out for margaritas and Mexican food at his favorite restaurant. Has he been dying to explore the new Bass Pro Shop out on I-10? Make the day fun for him by choosing something he will enjoy that includes his precious offspring. If your Father’s Day turns out to be anything but relaxing, slip him a gift certificate for a massage to be used at a later date. Get creative and stay focused on one person: HIM. I polled my favorite Daddies to find out what they really don’t want for Father’s day this year, and here are the results: 1. Lawn mower. 2. Gift certificate for laser hair removal. 3. Tight designer jeans you’ve been after him to wear. 4. “Honey-do” list. 5. Bill for a previously unmentioned fender-bender. 6. Rogaine. 7. A 30-day membership to local gym. 8. Framed photo of your mother. 9. Subscription to Parenting magazine. 10. Father-child matching outfit. |
