Dads are important too: This year, let’s REALLY honour the good dads out there

I was listening to the Metro FM breakfast show, The First Avenue with Unathi Msengana and DJ Glen Lewis, earlier this week when they spoke about how we as South Africans, always complain about the men in our country not taking responsibility for their children.

Instead, we should start appreciating and thanking the men who are in their children’s lives; who do take care of their kids and play an invaluable role in their lives.

I found this to be true.

Often, irresponsible dads who make the decision to not be part of their offspring’s life overshadows the important role played by responsible fathers who are active in their children’s lives. This could possibly be due to the fact that it’s not very often we come across men who take on the role of father and mother, because usually it’s women who are left with that task.

But the truth is, they do exist.

I’m pretty sure we all know of that one father who, sometimes due to unfortunate circumstances such as the death of a loved one or the spouse just not being there, has stood on his own and takes care of his family all by himself.

These are the type of fathers we need to begin celebrating on Father’s Day; the ones who play their rightful roles in raising, feeding, clothing, bathing, playing with their kids and helping them do their homework too.

Luckily, men are simple creatures, they probably don’t expect anything too fancy; so getting them a gift can be a not-so-complicated task.

Breakfast in bed is always a thoughtful one, and there’s nothing better than waking up and having a delicious meal brought especially for you, without having to do the labour yourself.

You could sing your heart out for daddy by writing him a short song you can play for him with your band, if you’re part of one; and declaring your love and appreciation for him through poetry is also a sweet idea.

But if you have one of those manly men for a father, something more masculine will probably do, like a new tool set or taking over garden duty for the weekend would probably mean a lot to him.

On the other hand, if you’ve been saving up and have money to spend, gifts like aftershave, slippers, socks, an expensive cologne or a brand new silk tie would be awesome.

But if all else fails, always remember this: giving your father your unconditional love is all he will ever need; because that’s all he’s ever given you.

American President, Barack Obama, said it best in his 2011 Father’s Day speech: “Above all, children need our unconditional love – whether they succeed or make mistakes; when life is easy and when life is tough.”

Quote is from www.popsugar.com