| Our fathers: from the time we were small, it | | | | interests with him and learning more about |
| seemed like there wasn't anything they didn't | | | | what makes him tick can strengthen your bond. |
| know or couldn't do. Forget Spiderman and | | | | |
| Superman, you had your own hero sitting right | | | | Great giving |
| on the couch. As we mature, go through our | | | | |
| awkward and rebellious teen phases and get a | | | | A key part of Father's Day is giving Dad a |
| better understanding of how the world works, | | | | gift that shows him how important he is to |
| our impressions of our fathers change. Could | | | | you. Remember, as with all gift-giving, money |
| be we think he's even more amazing than we | | | | doesn't matter. A thoughtful present that |
| did when we were kids. Could be we realize | | | | cost only a few dollars is better than |
| that he can't actually pull quarters out from | | | | dropping a few hundred on a gift that you |
| behind our ears - although we love that he | | | | figured was "good enough". |
| tries. This Father's Day, bring back some of | | | | |
| that childhood adulation by making your dad | | | | It can be hard coming up with gift ideas for |
| feel like a real hero. | | | | Dad, so it's a good idea to start early. The |
| | | | best strategy for gift giving is to pick up |
| Making it all about the man | | | | items throughout the year when you see |
| | | | something that would make the perfect |
| Father's Day is about the relationship | | | | present. Stash them in a safe place and keep |
| between a father and his children, but it's | | | | track of what you've bought. If it's close to |
| too easy for this big day to become more | | | | Father's Day and you still don't have a gift, |
| about the kids than about Dad. When you're | | | | this strategy isn't going to be much help! |
| planning Father's Day activities, think first | | | | |
| about the things your dad likes to do best, | | | | When you're choosing a gift for Father's Day, |
| then find ways to make them family-friendly. | | | | even if it's last minute, don't go generic. |
| If he likes fishing, buy rods for the kids | | | | Not every dad wants a new barbecue tool set |
| and yourself and get him to teach you his | | | | or drill. Think about things you did together |
| secrets. If he's into history programs, take | | | | when you were a child and look for gifts that |
| a trip to the museum with a stop or two at | | | | can help recreate those happy memories. Or |
| the kids' section to keep the little ones | | | | plan a gift that you can enjoy together. |
| entertained. | | | | Arrange to take cooking lessons or go sky |
| | | | diving. A peaceful trail ride at a local |
| To build a stronger relationship with your | | | | horse ranch or a friendly round of golf at |
| dad, make Father's Day a Father's Weekend. | | | | the country club are great ways to reconnect. |
| The Saturday before Father's Day, find ways | | | | |
| to share your own interests with him. While | | | | No matter how you choose to spend Father's |
| he's never going to really get what makes a | | | | Day, be sure to take the time to tell your |
| pair of Steve Madden's so fabulous, he might | | | | dad how much he means to you. You don't have |
| be open to learning about your favorite | | | | to go overboard with the mushiness if it |
| painters, going for a walk or jog along your | | | | makes you uncomfortable, just put a few |
| running trail or trying a new kind of cuisine | | | | heartfelt words in a card and give him a hug. |
| from your favorite restaurant. Sharing your | | | | Remember, actions speak louder than words. |