Unfortunately for dads, Father’s Day doesn’t have the juice that it really should. On the other hand, we’re one step away from getting a day off work for Mother’s Day. It’s definitely out of balance.
If you have a dad or married to a dad, he deserves better than a crappy shirt or another bottle of Drakkar Noir cologne this year. Make it a real Father’s Day.
Here are a four very simple steps that will make the day a total success and leave you with one happy dad.
1) The Father’s Day gift. To be honest, guys don’t want much in the way of gifts. If you’re going in the direction though, get him something he wants not something he needs. Think of something that he would never buy for himself. Some general ideas: music, tickets to a game or something he’s been talking about for a while now. Also, don’t break the bank if money is tight. There’s nothing worse than opening a gift and then worrying if there’s enough left to pay the water bill.
2) Let him relax. Take the first half of the day and let him sleep in and just relax. If he wants to watch golf – let him. If he wants to watch Dumb and Dumber for the 100th time – let him. Maybe he just wants to read the paper and drink coffee without someone climbing all over him, sticking their fingers up his nose and stealing his socks. This time is kid and distraction free. Just let him recharge the batteries a bit and hang. Most men I know need more time to do … nothing.
3) Fun with the kids. Plan something with the kids for the second half the day. Don’t do a day at the zoo because that’s what the kids want to do, actually think of this as his day. Take in a baseball game, hit the beach or just let him wrestle with them at the park.
4) Make a great meal. You know what his favorite meal is – so go all out on this one day. Capping off a perfect day with a great meal is a great way to say “thanks” to any dad. A cocktail or two wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world either. We’re really very basic creatures — embrace that.
(Side note: make the kids help too – it’s their dad. As they get older they need to do the bulk of the work.)
If you’re thinking to yourself, well this writer-guy might like all these things, but my “Reuben” loves to spend all day with the kids at the mall on Father’s Day. No he doesn’t – he’s just too much of a wuss to tell you.
Remember; don’t over-think Father’s Day with too many plans or events. The theme is: relax, enjoy the family and have some fun. It should one of the easiest holidays of the year, and the best.
This is the greatest generation of fathers the world has ever seen, it’s well deserved.
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Craig Playstead is a freelance writer, content strategist and father of three living in the suburbs of Seattle. His articles aimed at "entertaining and helping the average guy" have been read by millions throughout the years. 
Sounds like the perfect combination.
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