The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Dad's Day Should Be Out

by Dessa Rodeffer
Quill Editor/Publisher

14 June 2000

It's probably a little bit ironic that I suggest that Dad's Day should be a day out since Dads usually spend most of their time away from home, but let me explain.

According to a site especially for men which has just been adopted by American On Line (AOL) on the Internet - (TheMan.com), a perfect gift for dad is a day out to a ballgame, the aquarium or the zoo.

Men just like the outdoors.

I have one friend that said her husband recently purchased a camper-trailer to pull behind the truck.

Now they take their two toddlers camping every weekend which is relaxing for him. (I'm not sure about her). But it is away from the at home hassle and it is an adventure which is something men have always seemed to be looking for.

There are all kinds of ideas on the internet for dad. One suggests instead of getting a boring tie, get him some stock in a good company for his retirement.

Another website will let you purchase your choice of gift wrapped ties or boxers, sporting goods, tools and hardware, you name it.

You can even buy a book which is something dads usually don't buy for themselves.

Of course, there are always golf items, fishing and hunting items, but the more you think of it, I bet he would rather have a weekend out camping or fishing rather than the camping gear you might choose.

I know several fathers who are homebodies and for them, they would probably rather you went out and left him home with the peace and quite rather than buy him a night out on the town.

I've yet to see a man who didn't like to eat, so if you do leave home, make sure the refrigerator is stocked with his favorites.

For Fathers who really want to improve on their skills of fathering, I've been reading some good tips on how to be a better one.

One idea I read is for fathers to just relax and do whatever you like to do, but incorporate your kids into it.

If you like music, play some of your favorite and tell them the story behind it. Or take your kids to a special concert on your special day.

If you like to dance, show them how crazy you can get with your twist, they will love it, or at least have a good laugh.

If you like sports, pick your tool (baseball, tennis ball, golf ball, basketball, football, or even a fishing pole, you name it), and take your kids to a nearby park and enjoy.

How about swimming or a movie if there isn't a zoo around.

Maybe you like to build things. It doesn't matter what it is as long as you share your passion for it with your kids and don't leave them out.

Maybe it is art, and a visit to Chicago or to a nearby art museum could be shared together.

The trouble with too many dads and too many kids, they are so busy they begin shutting out those who mean the most to them when all they have to do is to share some of it with their family.

One of the suggestions I read that would give dads a better relationship with their kids is for him to be nice to their mother.

She just might put in a good word for you from time to time and will make you, dad, look great in your kids eyes.

And don't be afraid to work out a day when you can take off work just to spend some quality time with your kids and family.

Too many times, it seems, men use work as an excuse to never be home or with the family.

Smart dads are ones that put their family above their jobs.

Sure, that job and money is important so families can be taken care of, but they are not more important than the family.

Every month or so, take an entire day off and plan an outing with the kids, or let them plan a surprise for you.

This is what kids want and need the most. A dad they can spend time with.

And don't wait too long, until he or she feels too uncomfortable to be together.

Last of all, fathers take care of your health. If you are working too much and failing to eat, sleep, and exercise, or are too stressed to relax, how are you ever going to be able to take care of your family.

Families need healthy parents. So, be good to yourself, too. Take a time out so you can be thankful for life, and health, and all things good.