Well – the time has come and gone, that one day, June 21st 2009 that marks a special day for Dads all over has passed and all dads go back to normal life today. Father’s Day does not get as near the amount of coverage and exposure as Mother’s Day, which begs the question: Are dads not as important as the mums???
The mother has the privileged and at times, arduous, task of carrying a child for the best part of 10 months, and then giving birth. So she may naturally have a stronger bond with the child before it’s born. However, it is a known fact that an unborn child is sensitive to noises and sounds happening around him/her, and does become familiar with the voice and tones and accents of those close by (including co-workers, shop assistants or anywhere else the mother may frequent).
So by the time the child is born, they are very familiar with both mother and father’s voices and presence, as well as the relationship between the two adults. Most fathers are present at the birth and often can be the first to hold the child. This is an important moment for dad, as he experiences the contact very early on in the father / child relationship. It also gives the child a chance to get an initial sense and feeling of their dad. So these dad’s are being proactive in the building of a relationship with their child, and should be commended along with mum for their efforts.
Of course, this does not imply that a father needs to be present at birth to build a strong relationship with their child. We all know relationships grow and develop over time, even if time spent with the child is not on a daily basis. Every moment spent with a child is precious and rewarding, and no less for a father.
“Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad”. – Unknown
So all the dads out there are to be celebrated for being a dad; often a thankless job and overlooked privilege. Each father gets something different from being celebrated on a specific day of the year. I asked some dads what was so special about being a special dad on Father’s Day, and I was quite moved by some of the responses. One man maintained that “Every day is Father’s Day for me”. Another said that “just knowing they Love you and Remembered you” was very special to him. Some dad’s relish in the chance to get some quality sleep time in the morning, but one commented that they also “had a nice dream”.
Another received beautiful handmade cards from each of his children, and was very proud of their drawing ability. One father received a card as Gaeilge, and even though he didn’t quite know what it said, he was obviously very proud.
“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me”. – Jim Valvano
So dads; a day to be proud of your children; a day to enjoy peace and quiet; a day to be recognised for playing out an important role; a day to be cherished and appreciated for your role in the lives of little people should not be taken lightly. It is a day to succumb to the glories of fatherhood, the sense of pride in the great job that you’ve done (so far).It is the day to be thankful that you have raised such sweet and loving children. It is a day to remember exactly why you had children. It is a day to smile.
So you may wonder if this article is a little outdated by the time you read it. Well imagine every day is Father’s Day because it is. You have to power to feel all these great feelings and enjoy your children, not just on one special day but every day. Happy Father’s Every Day. This week, next week and the rest of your life. Be there every day to inspire, guide, and love your children.
“My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it”. – Clarence B. Kelland
Perfect!