Celebrate Father's Day - Parent's Day June 16

While instructing a course on parent education, student hand went up the question was posed “how do I celebrate a holiday that specifies a gender but child is reared by same-gender parents?” After responding to the question, I started helping educators become open-minded to the traditional family make-up of mom and dad is not always the lifestyle children come from; therefore, the goal is to make ALL feel inclusive in the human family.  This article is to assist in being more global with activities that we tell children to make for their fathers in celebration of Father’s Day.  One can start by saying “Parent’s Day” instead of “Father’s Day” if a child approaches sharing “I have two mommies”.

Here are some ideas for celebrating “Parent’s Day” June 16 to show how much they are loved.

1.      Create a handmade card.  A handmade card has so much more value than a store-bought one because and write/decorate specifically how they feel about their parent.

2.      Go for a family outing such as day at the park, bike or hike trail, water park just to name a few.  Remember, it should be a favorite outing of the parent being celebrated.

3.      Prepare breakfast that consist of parent’s favorite foods and serve in bed.  It you are feeling really good then clean the house and let them enjoy a day of lounging aroundJ!

4.      Write on post-it notes or regular sheet of paper why your parent is special to you and post throughout the house.  They can be placed on bathroom mirror, refrigerator, television, computer just to name a few.

5.      Start a new tradition!  Think about fun things that you would like the family to do together such as game board night, movie night, and visit museum day for some ideas to start the tradition.

This is a noted special day for your parent but remember to celebrate him/her everyone day with love, respect and do what you have been asked.   Enjoy “Father’s Day” – “Parent’s Day”!