How to Celebrate Father’s Day with a Young Child

Celebrating Father’s Day in Early Childhood

Father’s Day is a cherished occasion where entire families and communities come together to celebrate. This celebration extends beyond biological dads to include all extraordinary role models, such as step-dads, foster dads, grandfathers, uncles, and parents of LGBTQ+ families. 

In early childhood, Father’s Day is especially important. It is an opportunity for your child to bond with their dad, find ways to express their love for him, and spend quality time with family. By making this day extra special, you can make a positive impact on your child’s development and their future relationship with their dad. 

From finding the perfect gift to continuing family traditions, this blog will explore ways to make Father’s Day a memorable and meaningful experience for your child. 

Make a card together

Handmade cards are a special gift. They encourage children to express how they are feeling and show appreciation for their dad in a creative way. Handmade cards can be crafted from paper, cardboard, or recycled materials such as old cereal boxes and wall calendars. Once you have decided what material to use for your card, it’s time to get creative. You can paint on it, draw pictures, or even glue things onto it. The possibilities are endless!

After you have created a visually appealing masterpiece, help your child write a short message on the card. You can use the Father’s Day messages below for inspiration:

• I’m so lucky to have a father like you.
• Thank you for always loving me.
• You are my superhero, dad!
• Happy Father’s Day to the best dad in the world!
• I can’t wait to grow up and be like you.

Remember, the best card messages come from the heart. When it’s time to write on the card, encourage your child to share how they truly feel. You can help them turn their feelings into a heartfelt message for dad.

Go shopping for a gift

Involving your child in the gift-shopping experience creates an opportunity to learn about the act of giving and builds excitement for dad’s special day. During your shopping trip with your child, encourage them to make decisions about where they want to go and what gift to purchase. You can also teach your child how to pay for the gift when they’ve picked one out!

Sometimes, finding a great Father’s Day gift in-store can be challenging. If this is the case, a handmade gift will surely put a smile on dad’s face. Here are some Father’s Day gifts that you can make with your child at home:

• Delicious home-baked goodies such as a cake or cookies.
• A hand-drawn family portrait.
• A personalised mug.
• A coupon book.
• A framed family photo.

After you have sorted your Father’s Day gifts, you’ll need to wrap them up! Ask your child to pick out their favourite wrapping paper and teach them how to wrap the gifts. 

Honour traditions

What was a Father’s Day tradition in your family growing up? Maybe you had dinner at dad’s favourite restaurant or shared a family picnic in the park? Now that you have a family of your own, it’s important to continue these family traditions. Your child may continue to celebrate these traditions with your future grandchildren one day!

If your family didn’t participate in any Father’s Day traditions when you were younger, create your own! Consider starting one of the traditions below with your child:

• Cook dad breakfast in bed.
• Book a weekend getaway.
• Go on an adventure.
• Get dad a funny gift.
• Try a new restaurant.

Spend quality time with family

Family time is special for everyone, but it is especially important for children during their developmental years. This is when they learn to interact, form meaningful connections, and make lasting memories. With our busy schedules, it can sometimes be difficult for everyone in your family to spend time together. This makes quality time with family a precious gift for Father’s Day. 

While setting aside some time for your own family is important, it’s a great idea to celebrate Father’s Day with your extended family, too. This allows your child to express their gratitude for other fatherly figures, such as their grandfather or uncle. It also gives you the opportunity to celebrate with your own dad!

Consider hosting a games night or a family barbeque to catch up with family. To involve your child, turn the preparation into a fun activity! You can decorate, cook, or set the table together and create special memories and learning experiences in the process. 

Father’s Day is more than a chance to give gifts; it’s a meaningful opportunity for your child to express love, appreciation, and gratitude for the fatherly figures in their life. From making a card to spending quality time with family, involving your child in Father’s Day celebrations when they are young can set the foundation for strong family relationships and values in the future. To learn more, reach out to us on 02 9891 2222 or via email at mail@reggioemilia.com.au.