I’ve done a little research but can’t get a complete timeline of the origin of Father’s Day, but I did figure out the United Sates is one of 55 of the world’s countries which has a day set aside to honor fathers. Thank goodness President Woodrow Wilson approved the idea of an annual Father’s Day for the United States in 1916. Since then, the third Sunday of June is our day to salute the good dads of the world.
Father’s Day is all about recognizing fathers, father figures, celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the impact fathers have.
Many child development specialists believe the influence of a father on his children is most crucial and paramount from the age of six to 14. In a Presidential Proclamation from former President George W. Bush he said, “By providing their sons and daughters with a positive example, fathers help give children the necessary foundation they need to make wise decisions throughout their lives.”
If you’re as lucky as I am, you had a father who didn’t tell you how to live but showed you through how he lived and by his actions and decisions. The quote by Clarence Kelland comes to mind which says, “My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.”
Did you know there are 64.3 million fathers in America? According to Holidays.net, who gave credit to a U.S. Census Bureau report, there are. They also state that one in 12 men serving in the US Army are dads, 11 percent of dads are stepdads, 85 percent live with their biological children and 14 percent of fathers are a full-time stay-at-home dad.
A sad part of the report said “two-thirds of children under the age of 6 eat dinner with their dads every day.” This number should be a lot larger, if you ask me. A meal can be so much more enjoyable when it’s shared with family — especially a meal together on Father’s Day.
If you ask most dads what they want for Father’s Day, it probably would probably be to spend quality time with their children. Most of them will not want a tie, a shirt or an article of clothing unless if your like the men in my family — and it’s camouflage or something made by Carthartt.
Most dads think the best gift to receive on Father’s Day is something that doesn’t come from a retail store. There are no prices to worry about and no sizes to match up.
How do you commemorate the day? If you are like most everyone else and wondering what to do for Father’s Day next week, consider taking the commercialism out of it and instead look for a way to show dad he’s appreciated. Although they should feel special every day, Father’s Day should be a significant occasion to make sure they know they are loved.
Anything with a personal touch usually brings a smile to a father’s face.
