The U.S. Census Bureau regularly releases interesting statistics related to various holidays. For Father’s Day, many of them focus on gifts to get for a dad: As of 2021, there were 6,000 men’s clothing stores in the United States, 15,000 hardware stores, and 20,000 sporting goods stores. Past releases have reported on how many Americans participated in a barbecue during the year, which is a common activity on Father’s Day.

The report also includes statistics about how many fathers there are in different situations—single fathers, grandfathers, at-home dads, and so on. That’s the kind of information we would expect to get from the Census Bureau, but …

Father’s Day can and should be about so much more.

This Father’s Day, you might honor your dad by giving him a new necktie or shirt, a handy tool, a fishing rod, a putter or something else. While you’re at it, be sure to also honor him for what he has meant to you through the years.

A while back, we heard from a man named Roland who had recently lost his father, and as Father’s Day approached, he lamented that he couldn’t actually call and talk to his dad. Roland wrote:

For all my life, Daddy was always there. Whether I was in a mood to talk to him or not, every Father’s Day he was there. His love for me and [my siblings] was always unconditional. It didn’t matter if he was having a bad day or not. Now there’s one less person in the world who unconditionally loves me. And I really, really wish I could call him on Sunday.

     When I was angry at him once, someone asked me, “Do you think he really wants to be that way?” And I realized he was right. Daddy had medical problems that made him hard to be around sometimes… He couldn’t help it. As I realized this, it was easier to look past these things and see the love he really had for us — his kids — and his grandchildren.

     So, I really do miss Daddy. I miss not being able to talk to him when I have a problem with the car, or get his opinion on a new air conditioner, talk about the weather, or just vent a little frustration….

     I’m glad that he taught me good things by example. Like being a man of your word; loving your kids; paying your bills. And even if you talk like a mean old coot sometimes, when it gets right down to it, you still need to be a man of integrity. These are things I also want to teach to a younger generation. I’m glad I have that to remember him by.

Dad, don’t forget that it’s a privilege to honor your dad on Father’s Day.

If you have him around, don’t miss that opportunity. And if relating to your father is hard sometimes or you dread Father’s Day, cut him some slack. Maybe there are other factors in play that he can’t control. Or maybe things with his dad weren’t good and he doesn’t know how to make things better with you. So, please find a way to honor him if you can.

ACTION POINTS

• Thank your dad for how hard he worked to support the family, especially if he did so in less-than-perfect circumstances or gave up his own dreams to be there for you and his other children.
• What specifically did you learn from your dad about being a good person? Point that out to him.
• Tell your children several qualities you admire in your father. If your dad wasn’t there much for you, talk about him in a respectful way and point out how you are stronger because of the challenges his absence brought to your life.
• Thank the people in your life who make your fathering possible (your wife or child’s mother, your child, supporters of your efforts as a dad, other family members).