| "We can't celebrate Father's Day anymore, our | | | | name on it |
| Dad has died." This is such an incorrect statement | | | | · Eat his favorite meal |
| that I need to tell you about all the exciting | | | | · Do something that he loved to do on |
| prospects that you can partake in on this day - | | | | that day: go to a ball game, build a birdhouse, eat |
| whether or not you have a living father! | | | | hot dogs in the park, go for a bike ride, etc. |
| Create your own celebration that will be special | | | | Father's day is about honoring the men in your life |
| for the child. Ignoring the day allows for the child | | | | that have contributed to your growth, education, |
| to realize something is missing in their life. As the | | | | happiness and well-being. It does not have to be |
| only parent, create an experience that says "We | | | | just about a biological father. Have a dinner for |
| rock - just the way we are!" Create an event or | | | | people that have made a difference in your child's |
| a ritual that can be repeated from year to year | | | | life: have your child/children make dessert, place |
| that celebrates what you currently have. | | | | cards and any other aspects that they enjoy |
| I am a child who lost her father at the age of 7. I | | | | doing. |
| grew up not celebrating Father's Day. However | | | | If dinner doesn't work for the guest of honor, |
| my mother put in place events that allowed me | | | | have a lunch, afternoon BBQ or create a card and |
| to feel normal and to appreciate life. When my | | | | deliver it. The card can include a thank you for |
| dad died just before Halloween, my mother made | | | | the things that the child has appreciated from this |
| sure that I still celebrated Halloween in the way | | | | person throughout the year. One child I know |
| that we did every year in our neighborhood. The | | | | wrote a card and in it drew a Ferris wheel and |
| young woman across the street (who also | | | | said "thanks for taking me to the fair". |
| babysat me) was hired to take me out in my | | | | On Father's Day, do something special with the |
| wonderful elaborate costume that my mother | | | | child such as: |
| forced herself to make even in the shock of my | | | | · Create a special meal together to |
| father's sudden massive heart attack. I still | | | | celebrate family |
| remember that Halloween for being a good time - | | | | · Play a game together |
| and its 50 years later! | | | | · Go for a trip by car, bus or roller blade! |
| It is important to create traditions that are | | | | Take a walk through a special area of your city |
| meaningful and appropriate for your family. Look | | | | or country. |
| for positives and things that are working out right | | | | · Eat ice cream |
| in your lives and in the family and focus on them | | | | · Build a thankfulness garden. Plant lettuce, |
| on this day. If it is hard for you to do this | | | | marigolds, tomatoes, peas. |
| because of a tragedy, keep your mind on the | | | | · Make a poster for the fridge that |
| impact you can have on your child by modeling a | | | | shows the family as it is and says "We rock!" |
| positive attitude and an understanding of how | | | | · Have a special meal that each person |
| things can be good. | | | | contributes to just as each person contributes to |
| As someone who helps people with funeral plans, | | | | the family |
| I have spent alot of time with people who are | | | | · If there is a grandfather, uncle or special |
| mourning and with them in their lives afterwards. | | | | friend, invite them to participate |
| My own experiences as well as theirs have given | | | | · Make cards for each other in the family. |
| me insight into what can help a person be more | | | | Tell each other what is special about them. (One |
| than just a survivor. These experiences have | | | | family I know created this tradition several years |
| helped me to see how people can grow and | | | | ago. The children keep a list of things that they |
| thrive and enjoy their lives to the fullest with rich | | | | will include in the card for each year). |
| tradition and healthy attitudes and activities. | | | | · Make a card for the mother that does |
| If dad has died, you might want to have a special | | | | both father and mother duties |
| celebration to remember him. Some people wear | | | | · Encourage your child to understand that |
| a white rose for their deceased father on the | | | | when there is only one parent, the other parent |
| day. If he is buried in a cemetery or has a place | | | | and family members pick up the roles and then |
| that memorializes him, the family could visit and | | | | celebrate this fact. |
| take flowers. Making his favorite meal and sharing | | | | · Don't be afraid to have balloons, hot |
| it is another way to remember his memory. The | | | | dogs, ice cream and even goody bags. |
| children could also: | | | | May you have a positive and meaningful father's |
| · Write a letter to dad | | | | day with your family or close friends surrounding |
| · Create a garden stepping stone with his | | | | you. |