We’re right in the middle of what we call “Father’s Day Season,” which really kicks into high gear in early June. Maybe you barely even think about Father’s Day until that weekend, but this week the challenge is this:
Start anticipating and planning for it now.
And this isn’t about getting a gift wish list ready for your family members—although that’s part of it for some. And it isn’t about planning the menu for your Father’s Day grilling extravaganza, thinking about where you want to reserve a table for lunch or dinner, or even looking up fun things to do together as a family—although all those can be great ways to celebrate.
In addition to all that—or possibly in combination with that—please find a way to help promote responsible fatherhood in some way.
Being a dad is certainly worth celebrating and you deserve to be honored, and we’ll focus more on that in the coming weeks. But it’s also good to step back and recognize that you’re part of a much larger brotherhood. And looking from that broader perspective on our nation and world …
Fatherhood is in crisis.
Some have even used the word “pandemic” to describe it. Plain and simple, fatherlessness is running rampant and bringing with it some very distressing outcomes for children.
We can’t snap our fingers on Father’s Day and make all that go away in other households around the world, but there are some things we can do, even if it’s helping one child or investing in one other dad. It’s all about representing the best of fatherhood where we are, no matter what we end up doing on Father’s Day.
One example of a big event is the Fatherhood Festival that our friend Justin Batt is organizing on Father’s Day weekend in Canton, Ohio, with events planned for the entire family that focus on encouraging and challenging dads. You can find out more here, and if you don’t live near that one, there are surely other opportunities in other locations.
Even more, this is about being a contagiously joyful dad and looking for other dads and families to affirm and encourage in the process. And if you don’t attend a fatherhood event of some kind, maybe you can make a difference in some way for a family around you:
- Have lunch with a dad you know who is struggling right now.
- Invite a child who doesn’t have a dad to join in your family activities.
- Help a single mom and her kids—with your kids.
It doesn’t have to be involved or extravagant unless you want it to be. But if it’s going to happen, then you probably need to start making plans now. Make it a memorable Father’s Day this year … for all the right reasons.
What is the very best of fatherhood to you? How should we dads be making a difference around us? Leave a comment and join the discussion on our Facebook page.
Action Points & Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What’s the best Father’s Day memory you have with your dad?
- What’s your favorite Father’s Day memory as a dad yourself?
- Look at a calendar to see what’s going on Father’s Day weekend for your family. Look into activities that will not only be enjoyable for you, but will also make an impression on your children and possibly another dad or family you know.
- What’s the best part of being a dad to you? What’s your #1 tip for being a better dad? Share your answers with another dad you know.
- We’re approaching the start of a “new year” for your fathering. Make a “resolution” to improve as a dad in some specific, measurable way.
