by Elaine Sihera

Created on: June 21, 2009   Last Updated: June 22, 2009

We do not need any specific day to show people that we care for them and value them in our lives. That should be done every day of every year because we never know when it could be someone's last day. Neither does assigning days for special mention, mean those are the only days we show love and care, or that we even need to do anything special on those days. They are just reminders to pause for a day and make the effort to really celebrate that person and to join with others as a community in doing the same thing. There is always a powerful vibrancy about communal celebration and putting a day aside to contemplate the people who matter most in our lives should be welcomed.

Apart from that, there are also five major reasons why we should celebrate Father's Day.

First, it is very important to show to the whole of society, especially male youths, that we value fathers and their input in the home. With so many absentee fathers, emphasising parental responsibility and showing the importance of assuming that responsibility with care and commitment, serves as a powerful role model for male youngsters to follow. It might even help estranged fathers to think about their role and reconcile with their children.

Second, we already celebrate Mother's Day. If our mothers are valued so should fathers. We cannot have one day for one parent and none for the other, when it takes two parents to make a child! It makes it not only fair but balanced.

Third, many men are undervalued in our society. We tend to think of them as an afterthought when we relate to the family. Hence, why many of them might feel excluded at certain times and feel of lesser significance than mothers. Having a special day for fathers, too emphasises their role and their permanent inclusion in the lives of their children. It also stresses that fathers are forever, not just for certain times of a child's life.

Fourth, many men are workaholics who find little time to enjoy their families. On Father's Day they will be prompted to take some time out, to stop and smell the roses with their children and grandchildren, and to reinforce the value for quality family time above working. Even if it is only for a day, they can actually focus on what it means to be a parent, apart from just providing material things.

Finally, it provides another day in the year for simple celebration. We do not have enough days for appreciating and valuing each other as people. Father's day allows us all to stop and celebrate the men in our lives and the crucial part they play in it.

In an ideal world, we wouldn't need a Father's Day to show the importance of fathers, but we don't live in an ideal world. We live in a flawed and stressed society. There are many men today who, simply because of Father's Day, are taking time out to link up with their children and to do activities with them. That can be no bad thing, while at the same time reinforcing their value to those children and the joy of being a father

A wonderfully Happy Father's Day to you fortunate fathers!

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