For some families, they just can't be together on Father's Day.
They may be separated because Dad is working in a different city or
country, has a health problem, has to be away, or maybe Dad has never been
part of this child's life. For these children,
Father's Day can be very difficult. Here are some ideas that might
help make it a bit easier.
- Think of Dad's favorite place and plan to spend the afternoon.
Maybe he loved the beach, a special park or even a favorite
restaurant. Or did he have a favorite game you could
play. It might be hard to be without Dad on Father's Day, but at
least you could be doing something he would enjoy.
- Write Dad a letter and attach it to a helium balloon. Send it
up to the sky. Please be aware that these balloons are a hazard
to wildlife and the environment. So don't do it unless it is the
only way to help a child get through the day.
- Write Dad a letter. Burn it in a fire and scatter the ashes in a
garden, to the wind, on a lake, or anywhere that is special.
The thoughts will get to him even if the paper can't. Be sure to
talk to the child first about the plan to burn the letter and release
the thoughts so they can get to Dad.
- If children make something, but can't send it to Dad (e.g. jar filled with flowers,
a plate of cookie or a poem), they can put it next to Dads picture at home or put on the head stone.
Thanks to Fay for sending in this idea.
- For children who never had a Father in their life, you could talk
about what they think they are missing. Make a point to try and
create those experiences throughout the year.
- On Fathers' day we give Mom a "Da-mom" card, since she's both
mom and dad in this family! Thanks to Grandma Audrey for
sending in this idea.
- Have a dinner for people that have made a difference
in your child’s life: have your child/children make dessert, place
cards and any other aspects that they enjoy doing.
If dinner doesn’t work for the guest of honor, have a lunch,
afternoon BBQ or create a card and deliver it.
Thanks for this idea from Laurie Mueller at Easy
Funeral Speeches.
One parent sent in this suggestion:
"The most important thing for my kids is that we talk about it in advance, and I ask them what THEY want to do. It means a lot to them to be made welcome to talk about dad, even though it seems they'd already know it's fine--in my case--still, they need to be encouraged.
"
Thanks to Rhonda for sharing this suggestion.
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