Fathers Day

Fathers Day
10 Reasons to Appreciate Your Dad

Any man can be a Father but it takes someone special to be a dad.
- Anne Geddes

Fathers Day is a relatively recent holiday in the United States. It was first proposed by Sonora Smart Dodd just over 100 years ago (1909) in Spokane Washington in recognition of her father who raised her and her siblings lovingly and selflessly as a single father after their mother died. It became an official holiday in 1972 in the United States.

A father's role in the success of his children is less obvious than the mother's, but no less important. An involved father, that is one that reads to his children, takes them on outings, plays with them, and otherwise participates directly in parenting, greatly increases his children's probability of success in life. So, in celebration of Fathers Day, here are 10 gifts a loving and involved father typically gives his children:

10. Higher Intelligence

A number of studies suggest that fathers who are involved, nurturing, and playful with their infants have children with higher IQs, as well as better linguistic and cognitive capacities. Toddlers with involved fathers go on to start school with higher levels of academic readiness. Research suggests that when fathers were moderately or highly involved in their children's school, children were significantly more likely to receive mostly high marks, enjoy school, and never repeat a grade.

I can not think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection.
- Sigmund Freud

9. More Confidence

Sigmund Freud, the father of modern psychiatry, said I can not think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection. In addition to the confidence that comes from meeting this deep need for protection, fathers build a child's confidence through the rough and tumble play that helps kids take risks and overcome challenges.

8. More Empathy

Empathy, or the ability to see things from another person's point of view, is a critical emotional intelligence skill. One study found that primary school children scored higher on tests of empathy if they had secure attachments to their fathers during infancy.

My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, "You're tearing up the grass"; "We're not raising grass," Dad would reply. "We're raising boys"
- Harmon Killebrew

7. Better Interpersonal Skills

Playing with fathers also helps children learn emotional regulation, the ability to express emotions responsibly and control their behavior. Studies have shown that, when fathers are affectionate and helpful, their children are more likely to get on well with their brothers and sisters and they tend to have better relationships with other children, and behave less aggressively.

6. Better Citizens

Boys who grow up with dads are less likely to be violent. They are more likely to accept women in positions of power and authority. They are less likely to be in trouble with the police or to become homeless, and they have better relationships with their parents and other adults in adolescence.

5. Vocation

Fathers contribute to their children's vocation by example and by community influence and connections. Many children follow in their father's footsteps because they are familiar as they enter the world of work. Fathers also tend to use their community and professional connections to help their children get their first jobs.

When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.

- Mark Twain

Father and Daughter Flying a Kite at the Beach

4. Strengths and Virtues

Whether from our genetic make-up or from examples ingrained from birth, some of our talents, virtues, values and strengths come from our fathers.

3. Hobbies

Chances are that at least one of the hobbies or special interests you enjoy today you learned to enjoy with your father.

2. Skills

We learn many of our basic life skills from our fathers. From fixing the faucet to tying your shoes, chances are your father taught you several skills you use frequently and take for granted now.

1. The Gift of Life and Love of Life

In the end, the greatest gift from your father is the gift of life itself. And, if you are lucky enough to have a loving and involved father, your love of life comes from your father as well.

One of the reasons it took so long for Father's day to be officially accepted as a holiday was the fear of commercialization. Ironically, Sonora Smart Dodd supported gift giving and commercialization.

If you are looking for fathers day gift ideas, why not write him an appreciation letter and tell him why you are glad for dad. Wish him a happy fathers day with a gift that will make both of you happier.

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Other Holidays on Happy Life U include:

Earth Day Reasons to Celebrate Earth Day
Martin Luther King Day Celebrate this Civil Rights Hero.
Labor DayWhy Labor Day is Important for Your Happy Life.
Mother's Day
- Mother's Day Ways to express appriciation to your Mother.
- Mother's Day Quotes
- How to Appreciate Your Mother
- Mother Enthusiasm
Father's Day Ten Reasons to Appreciate Dad and Celebrate Father's Day.
Halloween Masquerade as an Angel
Veteran's Day or Memorial Day
- How to Thank a Veteran
- Act of Remembrance
Thanksgiving
- Thanksgiving How to increase happiness with a whole day of gratitude.
- Thanksgiving Games Use these games to increase gratitude in a group any time of year.
Christmas
- Christmas Season in Tough Times How to make the most of the gift giving season in an economic downturn.
- Deck the Halls
- Sing Joy
New Year Begin the New Year Sparkling Like a Star

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Fathers Day Gift Ideas

Tell Dad how you feel
with these wonderful gift books by Simple Truths

To A Child Love Is Spelled Time
You will be deeply moved from the emotional introduction through the heartwarming stories. With beautiful photographs, heartwarming quotes and inspirational insights, this book encourages parents to make time for what's most important in life.

Sandbox Wisdom
Sandbox Wisdom is a fun, refreshing and quite possibly a life altering read. In this highly engaging story, you’ll go on a journey with a frustrated CEO as he is taken under the wing of an old mechanic and his granddaughter. They laugh, play and help him uncover the real secrets to success in business and life. You’ll discover the simple truths of leading and influencing others, managing failure, strategic thinking, conflict resolution and much more.

Laughter is an Instant Vacation with Free DVD
160 pages of pure, unadulterated … FUN. It has over 250 great quotes, and many funny photos that’ll make you laugh out loud. This gift is terrific for anyone, because in today’s world, who do you know that won’t appreciate a good reason to laugh!