Having a hard time thinking of how to honor and celebrate the men in your life? Here are some meaningful ways that are fitting for Father’s Day, birthdays, and literally any day.
1. Participate in his favorite hobby.
- Participate in what your dad likes to do — whether it’s gardening, biking, playing golf or tennis, painting, photography, cooking, etc. He’ll enjoy what he loves to do even more being able to do it with you.
2. Play in the water.
- It’s been scorching hot this past week, and it’s the prime time to get wet! Take advantage of what’s offered here in the Bay Area swimming, kayaking, rafting, and tubing:
- Dublin Wave Waterpark opened on Tue. Park hours: 11:00AM- 4:00PM.
- Oakland Estuary/Jack London Square in Oakland for paddlesports (kayak, canoe, paddle board)
- Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore has two swimming beaches, but once capacity is reached, no new entries will be allowed for the rest of the day, fishing by boat (boat rentals available).
- The lake is stocked regularly with trout and catfish, but due to blue-green algae toxins in the water, just “catch and release”, don’t eat the fish.
3. Learn about his family tree and family name.
- One way to feel more connected to your family (past and present) is to learn more about your family’s history, family name, and heritage.
- Break out your video camera, and record these memorable stories to have in your family forever.
4. Share your favorite memories of your father.
- What better way for your dad to feel loved and appreciated is to share memories you have of him.
5. Do a puzzle together.
- You can combine the puzzle as a gift and a family activity.
- Puzzles are therapeutic for all ages. They’re a way to quiet your thoughts (concentration becomes its own form of meditation) and are good for short-term memory, problem solving, and fine motor control.
- You can also make a memorable personalized jigsaw photo puzzle (from 60 to over 1,000 pieces) through Shutterfly.
- Solving puzzles in a group can also strengthen social bonds.
6. Make a Father’s Day treat or dinner.
- Sharing a delicious meal is a wonderful way to bond and show love.
- Cooking for your family is a way of telling them that they’re special and they matter.
- To continue with the family history theme, you can prepare a treat that reflects your cultural heritage.
7. Do an act of service.
- There’s no better way to show you care than to help your father or father-figure finish a project that he just never gets around to completing or is physically unable to finish.
- Looking at an unfinished project or things that need to be done can create anxiety. What better way to help your dad relax than to cross something off his “To-Do List”!
8. Mentor a youth without a father.
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 19.5 million children (1 in 4) live without a father in the home.
- Absence of a father has a negative impact on children and adolescents, and Father’s Day can be a painful day for them.
- Children yearn for unity and discipline (whether it’s good discipline or bad discipline). Help out a fatherless youth. Become a mentor. You can help a young person set academic/career goals, make healthy choices (e.g., nutrition, exercise, social activities, etc), or think through a problem at home or school.
- Make a difference in a child’s life.
- Mentoring.org can help you find established programs in your area.
Karen’s Fit Tip: Cherish and preserve old memories with your family while taking the time to make new ones along the way.
