by Kat Oliver

Created on: June 12, 2009

Father's Day is the one day out of the year when society says we are supposed to remember our fathers. Television and newspaper ads tell us daily to buy our Father's gifts for Father's Day. But you don't have to purchase a gift to make Father's Day special.

Father's Day becomes special when fathers and children spend time together doing things they both enjoy. And you ask how can that happen? Fathers are adults and enjoy adult activities and children, of course, enjoy doing children's activities. Well, most fathers truly enjoy spending time with their children whether they are involved in athletics, fishing, swimming, roller skating, watching television - I could go on and on. And admittedly so, it may be a little more difficult when the child is a girl but fathers enjoy spending time with their daughters just as much as with their sons. Secretly every father wants to be his daughter's Prince Charming.

Most men enjoy grilling so grab the charcoal or gas, fire up the old grill and put on some burgers and hot dogs. This may not be Dad's favorite food but children love them and what Dad doesn't like to see the smiles and hear the laughter of his children. If you have a pool, make it a pool-side picnic.

Purchase some inexpensive art supplies and have the children draw pictures of their favorite things. Better yet, buy some disposable cameras and let the children take pictures of their favorite things to give to Dad. This is especially good if a child's parents are divorced because Dad may not know all the little things his child likes. Believe it or not, there will always be a picture of Dad on that camera.

Maybe if the children are a little older they could write letters to their Dad (while he's grilling) telling him what makes them happy, what their favorite things are, or maybe just tell him about the fun things they did during the week. Letters from children become priceless for Fathers because it allows them a look at an element of childhood that usually only Mothers experience. Those letters can open a lot of doors for Fathers for future relationships with their children.

Another great activity for Fathers and children on Father's Day is to sit down towards the end of the day and just talk about what you did together and laugh at the funny things and talk about what else you'd like to do together.

Packaged gifts are great but simply having fun together can be the greatest Father's Day gift of all.

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