A Day for Dad

Father's Day, June 21st, 2009. Did you forget? Well, we're here to remind you!

A celebration that was started in 1908 and put into law by 1913 has come and gone. Since I am a mother, I thought it only prudent to give our new Daddy followers a gift of my own. Although a little less tangible than they are used to, valuable none the less!

First, I’d like to address my fellow Mommy’s out there! I know you probably feel like Daddy is a little undeserving of his own day sometimes, but let’s face it, it’s just a day. So why not buckle down and do something a little special for him? What does he like? Is it a dinner out or a quiet afternoon of football? Maybe it’s a little romance, without the romance, if you know what I mean? Take a few minutes to work out the details, and I promise it will pay dividends in the end!

Okay Dad, so here are some tips to make your life easier around Mommy. Trust me, these are truly gifts:

1.) Don’t forget Mother’s Day (I know it’s a little late, but this one can bite you!)

2.) She may not say it, but she needs a break! Take baby for a walk in the stroller without Mommy. She’ll appreciate the time alone, and you will get some time with the baby.

3.) Turn off the TV! This alone may be the best aphrodisiac in existence.

4.) Get your own diaper bag. Why is it that Mommy has to haul this thing around and you have to feel like a fool carrying a pink & brown bag in and out of the restaurants? There are some great man bags out there and it only takes some bare necessities to get your own going. This is a simple way to make both of your lives easier!

5.) Put a calendar on the fridge. If you don’t, you’re going miss something important; and we all know where that leads.

6.) Write it down. Whether it’s something that’s been bothering you, or it’s something nice you’d like to say, this process can help clear your thoughts and if you share, can show Mommy that you care.

7.) Get a book. Of course, if you are more of an online guy, then get a favorite website. There are many websites focused on Dad’s perspective. Whether you need to chat, or just learn some things about your child, this burden often falls unfairly on Mom. Check out http://www.mrdad.com/links/

8.) Don’t role your eyes when Mommy starts crying; this is a biggy! Mom is extremely sensitive from conception all the way to the end of breastfeeding. Just think about all of the physical changes she’s going through. You can save yourself a lot of headache by just shutting up and offering up a hug and occasionally a little dark chocolate.

9.) Make Mommy take a night off. This may be the hardest suggestion for some mothers, but they are probably the ones that need it the most. Get her to go have a glass of wine with the girls or just go see a movie. Either way, you’ll be father of the year afterwards!

10.) Stop whining! If you aren’t getting what you need in the bedroom, stop whining about it! This will only make things worse. You’ve got to make her feel good about herself. Spend some time talking to her like you did when you first met. Better yet, act like you are actually interested in hearing about her day. Give her a real kiss, maybe even a little massage. Of course, a little chocolate never hurts here either!

I know that these probably sound more like what to do on Mother’s Day than gifts for Dad, but they both go hand in hand. As a couple’s time becomes more focused on the daily tasks of parenthood it’s easy to forget some of these basic principles. I’d like to leave you with one question, “have I really stopped to think about what my spouse goes through on a daily basis?”. I believe that if we all ask ourselves that question every so often, we will all be better wives, mothers, husbands and even fathers!

Good luck and God Bless!

Patsy Champagne