Celebrating Family
Celebrate Father’s Day
recognising a unique role
Father’s Day is about recognising the special role fathers play in the lives
of our tamariki/children. The bond that forms between a father and his
son or daughter is unique.
While it is acknowledged that not all children are able to live with
their father, it is important to recognise the role they play and show
appreciation to the special men in your child’s life.
Children often
enjoy more physical
interactions with
their fathers – it is
good to ‘Let them
burn off
their energy.’
creating a special occasion
If you are the father in your family, ask another family member to help
plan a celebration/surprise with your child if possible. Alternatively, enjoy
spending time with your child planning your day.
Talk with your child about what they would like to do to acknowledge
Father’s Day and help them to make this happen.
This could include:
•making a card or drawing
•preparing breakfast in bed
•going on a special outing together
•visiting with grandfathers
•spending time together at home.
Suggestions to celebrate Father’s Day
•frame a special picture of your child’s footprint and include a poem
(see instructions for this activity in this month’s EDM)
•check out Father’s Day activities that may be happening in your
neighbourhood
•have a look on the internet for other ideas to celebrate.
It is important
for fathers to be
involved in their
child’s life, whether
it’s having fun
during the day or
routines at night.
Celebrating Family
Male role models
Spend some time with the special men in your child’s life
Talk to your child about the male role models in their life.
They could include:
•father or stepfather
•grandfathers
•uncles
•big brothers
•cousins
•family friends.
Male role models
are an essential part
of the growth and
development of our
tamariki. Men often
provide the rough
and tumble play
with the children
as well as support
and guidance with
practical tasks.
Questions you could ask:
•what makes them special?
•do they have special names?
•what do they do that is different from Mum?
Plan for your child to spend some time or catch up with the
special men in their life. They could:
•make a phone call
•send a picture by post or email
•have afternoon tea
•go on an outing
The role of fathers
is changing in
today’s society
as fathers are
becoming more
involved in
their children’s
upbringing.
•prepare a meal together
Suggestion:
•create a memories book with pictures or stories of special moments
spent with the significant men in your child’s life.
Keeping in touch
with important
people will support
the development of
your child’s verbal
and non verbal
skills.