A Quick List to Help
As a single mother on Father’s Day, sometimes it can be a little lonely when the children are not by your side, but it is essential to recognize the importance, in your children’s eyes, of spending time with their father – particularly on Father’s Day.
Just as on Mother’s Day, when mothers are recognized for all of their contributions to the family, it is equally as important that the children are able to spend time with and recognize fathers on their special day. Here’s a helpful guide of “Do’s and Don’ts” for Father’s Day.
(It should go without saying these suggestions apply equally to Mother’s Day when the children are spending time with their mother)
Do’s for a Single Mother on Father’s Day
- Do encourage your children to spend time with their father on Father’s Day. Keep any negative feelings to yourself until after the children have left so that they can enjoy a guilt-free day with their dad.
- Do step aside for the day and allow the father to shine, even if only for one day.
- Do make sure your children – if they do not reside in the same geographical area as their father, or if Dad is deployed or working overseas – contact and speak with their father. If possible, connect them through some video conferencing, Skype, Facetime, or a similar application that allows the children and their father to see each other while they’re talking.
- Do have the children create a Father’s Day card and/or encourage your children to make a homemade gift for their father.
- Do take time for yourself and enjoy some quality time with your family or friends. Make plans that don’t involve the children, such as brunch, a movie, or a spa day with friends.
Don’ts for a Single Mother on Father’s Day
- Don’t make plans or schedule other activities on Father’s Day that would deprive the father of the opportunity to spend time with the children on Father’s Day.
- Don’t disparage or otherwise denigrate Father to or around the children. This tip should apply year-round – not just on Father’s Day
- Don’t prohibit the children from spending time with or contacting Father on Father’s Day.
- Don’t allow the children to dictate the terms of their time sharing with Father over Father’s Day.
- Don’t despair: Mother’s Day occurs in May, so make sure these same do’s and don’ts apply for your special day when it comes around each year!
