ROdown Blog
It’s Fathers’ Day this Sunday!
I always look forward to Fathers’ Day or any ‘Day’ really because in my family that means we get to eat almond croissants. It’s a sacred tradition we established many years ago. When we were young, my brother and I would make the pilgrimage around the corner to the yummy French patisserie, and order their mouth-watering delights. Sometimes the croissants would make it home too.
It’s also a time for cards and presents and ads for power tools and writing things like ‘thanks for being a great dad’ that would otherwise feel cheesy but is solemnly expected at this time of the year.
The problem is, sometimes it feels like we seem to rely upon these ‘Days’ where we can actively celebrate certain important people in our lives: fathers, grandfathers, mothers, grandmothers, friends on their birthdays – the list goes on.
It feels good to tell someone else how much they mean to us – partly I think because it’s nice to go through the process of thinking about why someone is so important to you, and of all their amazing qualities, and partly because it feels good seeing them appreciate the nice things you have to say, and knowing you’ve helped make their day.
So why don’t we do it more? Practicing and expressing gratitude is good for you – you can read all about it in this blog about gratitude we posted a few weeks ago.
It’s also important to remember that Fathers’ day can bring up different things for different people.
Fathers’ Day might be a difficult time for you if you have lost your father or if you have a difficult relationship with him.
You might find the fact sheet on Managing anniversaries and special occasions useful - it has tips for getting through the day and looking after yourself. You might actually see it as a time to celebrate your dad, and remember the good times you had. Or, it might be about you spending time with family or friends, doing the things you enjoy.
So – let us know what you’re going to do to celebrate your dad this Fathers’ day, and let us know what you think about telling people how much they mean to you on other days, not just ‘Days’!
You might also be interested in checking out some of the great blog posts that were written during Man Week about Dads, and our relationships with them. They're from a male perspective and are listed under 'Other Man Week blogging' on this Man Week post. I recommend you check them out :)
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7 Comments
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anna
over 2 years ago
Reply ReportHey there 'endit4dad'.....
I think lots of people feel that way - and it's REALLY hard if you've lost someone you care so much for. Your world does totally change...things feel very different...and no one seems to understand....
........ but you're not alone :)
There are always people to talk with and to connect with here :)
Kids Helpline is another great service - especially if you're feeling like you are alone. 1800 55 1800 or try their website at kidshelp.com.au (web/email counselling).
We're happy to have you as part of RO.com and we hope to see you on the forums.
142674U
over 2 years ago
Reply Reportmy dad died earlier this year & this is the first year without him.....
i didnt do much 4 fathers day my mum & bro did but i just stayed back cuz i cant do it like they do
it is just not the same, every1 says it is ok but it just isnt.....
its like i am in a world of my own....
DOES ANYONE ELSE FEEL LIKE THEY ARE IN A WORLD ALL ALONE?
Antria
over 2 years ago
Reply Report@mischief_managed I like that idea of the text but not the gift - sort of meets in the middle hey? Also seems like its right for you at the moment which is awesome. Maybe just check in with yourself about what your hoping his response will be, so you don't feel too disappointed if he doesn't react as your hoping?
Faters day has never been a big deal for me or my family, in fact I usually only remember it when I see the 'dad' toblerone in the shops, haha. I'm not sure if I will text my dad since he hasn't been in my life for a long time and text is the only way we communicate. I think I might just send him an everyday text but not say happy fathers day, since I don't really think of him as my dad.
I'm feeling kind of happy about the day though, because my partner has his dad in his life, and this is the first time I am doing something for fathers day. We are all going to see that new movie, charlie and boots? hahaha, probably not my usual type of movie but I think it will be fun and looking forward to some popcorn and celebrating the role that his dad plays in our lives.
I often try to do little random gifts and stuff like that between special occasions - but I think on these 'days' it can be nice to spend time together whether you go for the commercialism or not!
mischief_managed
over 2 years ago
Reply ReportI think it is important that we don't just rely on "days" to tell the people in our lives who mean a lot to us how much they mean to us. I quite often randomly buy my mum and/or grandmother flowers to show them how much I love them.
Ophelia.L
over 2 years ago
Reply ReportOphelia.L
over 2 years ago
Reply ReportChey
over 2 years ago
Reply ReportUnfourntetly this will be the First year I havent spent Fathers day with my Father as Im no longer in the same state as Him,
But that dosent mean I didnt Go out and choose a card which fit to everything I want to say and then Fill it with memories of him and me and thanking him for everything his ever done for me.
My Dad may not be the richest person off all ,but I know for a fact he works his arse of to support me and my family and Wants the best for us all.
I think Its Important not only to use theses day to tell our family,friends,partener etc how much they mean to us,but also remind them as much as possible that they are appricated,Making sure we say thank you when they do stuff for us and show them that they are loved,cause sometimes people may feel like we dont care.
Im A Daddy's girl all the way and I can honestly say through all the ups and downs,fights me and My dad have had over the years He is one of my biggest insperations and Hero's.