Book Week poses far more of a stress in our household than Father’s Day ever has. Hard to believe but it’s true.
For us, the day itself is spent celebrating with extended family. Grandparents and uncles are celebrated with either a family breakfast, or lunch. Basically it is just like other families, but on a larger scale as our nuclear family obviously doesn’t contain a male parent.
Whether it be at day care or at school, our children’s educators have always taken them under their ‘wing’ and supported them in identifying a recipient for their beloved Father’s Day or ‘I love you’ cards and associated paraphernalia.
Not only this, but knowing that my three eldest children (Master Z, Miss D and Master M) have two households, they have always avoided yet another potentially tricky scenario by providing us with two Father’s Day cards – one for each of their respective houses. I have witnessed firsthand the efforts of early childhood and primary school teachers who spend hours planning and researching the best and most creative ways to provide activities and gifts to celebrate these special occasions.
No idea how they managed before Pinterest!
A fellow educator and new friend of mine messaged me tonight to ask my opinion on her plan for her Prep/Year 1 class for Father’s day. I was absolutely touched; not only by her reaching out to ask my opinion, but also by the level of concern she has for ensuring that the 2-3 kids in her class with no father ‘on the scene’ feel included. She also wants to make sure that the single parents ‘pulling double shifts’ were acknowledged too. Her heartfelt message explaining how she feels really moved me and I’d like to share it:
‘Mother’s and Father’s Day are so important for so many reasons, especially for little kids. When they don’t have one or the other, it can be confusing. It is so important for me to get these special days right for them. That little present that gets made at school, to be wrapped and then given on that special day means so much more to the kids most of the time, than to the parent. It’s my job to make sure that everyone is catered for in a respectful manner and I’ll always do my best to make this happen.’
The world really is a beautiful place.
Massive shout out to the educators out there who have made sure that my children never feel alienated on Father’s Day. On behalf of same sex and single parent households everywhere – thank you.
This is truly a wonderful example of the importance of the ‘village’ in raising confident and balanced young people.
So when you sit down on the weekend with your kids to celebrate with whoever it is in your house that is being honoured this Father’s Day, please remember how much thought has gone into the day – all to show you how very much you are loved.
Unwrap that precious gift as though it is a pot of gold.
My Rainbow Tribe 