He held your hand when your small feet couldn’t walk. He changed your dirty diapers when you’d cry and he’d leave his meal at the table and run to you. Mere gifts wont suffice for what they have done for you growing up. Here are 10 ways you can make your folk feel special for all the sleepless nights and sacrifices he has made:
Take care
Remind them about important things such as their meetings, a series or news they are waiting to watch on television and to take their medicines on time. These little gestures mean a lot, more than expensive gifts and Father’s Day texts.
Tone down the rebel in you
You need to understand and accept the fact that there might be an inevitable generation gap between you and your father. Thus, the existence of conflict of interests and opinions may exist; avoid arguing and saying things that might hurt him. Your old folk may come off as stern and may not be able to express as much as mothers are but know that he means well. Accept the fact that he may not understand where you’re coming from. Once he realises you’re being patient, he will surely come around.
The Cook Book
Cook for him. Try learning his favourite dish and surprise him. Even if you make tea and it tastes like hot water, it will make him feel special.
Turn off the lights before leaving the room
This gesture will make him feel like you care about his hard-earned money. And that he is the father of a responsible citizen who cares about the environment.
Keep things in place
Be wary of his pet peeves. He probably had a long day at work. Spare him the annoyance of coming home to see things that tick him off. For instance, wet towel on the bed or floor.
Accompany him to the doctor
The gesture itself displays the fact that you do care for him. Let’s keep in mind that they have reached a delicate age where they can succumb to diseases easily. And nothing could make him happier than to have his children accompany him to the doctor for check ups.
Spend quality time with him
This is something you would not regret doing. Talk and listen to him, get enlightened by his wisdom. A lot can be learned from his experiences. Watch a movie with him or play a game of chess.
Help him with his Facebook post
He taught you how to tie your shoelaces and brush your teeth. Don’t get irritated when he asks you to help him with his phone or social media; guide him through. He too, might want to stay updated with recent trends; this will help him spend his leisure time pleasantly.
Surprise him with a get-together
Daddies are busy men. Amidst running between home and office and playing perfect hubbies and ideal fathers, old pals often get ignored in the process. So, get in touch with his buddies and surprise him with a get-together. Reserve a place at your dad’s favourite restaurant and invite all his close friends.
Ask him to teach you something
Make your folk feel special by asking him to teach you a skill such as changing the tire or the light bulb. It will remind him that no matter how old you get, you’ll always need him around to teach you new things.