Lucky moms! Kids are in school when Mother’s Day rolls around. Teachers and aides orchestrate the card and gift projects. Dads are not so fortunate. But you can step into the teacher’s shoes and provide fine gift ideas–and for the cards, some messages for the handmade Father’s Day card, courtesy of those holiday professionals at Hallmark. See the complete article here.
Try to make this fun!
Start by asking some conversation starters to help you and the child focus.
- How are you and your dad the same?
- What is your dad really good at?
- What makes you proud of daddy?
Father’s Day message starting points:
Now the child might be more ready to write a brief message of appreciation.
- “You taught me many of the important things I know like….
- “I don’t know where I’d be without your….
- “You’re in some of my favorite memories like….
- “Thank you for being there with just the___ (eg. love, wisdom, guidance) I need.
If the relationship is complicated
One Hallmark writer suggests that the child, “Be warm and sincere in your message. Focus on what’s positive and true between you. Tell him you’re thinking of him. Or simply wish him a great day.”
Family relationship not required for Father’s Day cards
There are plenty of father-like figures in people’s lives, even it’s they’re not officially relatives. Even if the child’s father is present in his or her life, a card for a man who is making spiritual, emotional or relational deposits in the child’s life deserves to hear about it.
- “Having you in my life has made all the difference in the world to me because….
- “You’ve always gone above and beyond to support me and celebrate important times in my life, like when….
- “I don’t know where I’d be without your….
If the child is very young
Consider doing a questionnaire or interview format with the child, like this example. It’s the kind of activity some teachers do for Mother’s Day.
“When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years.”— Mark Twain