It takes someone special to be a dad---honor him this Father's Day.
By Sheila Catron

Anne Geddes wrote "Any man can be a Father but it takes someone special to be a dad." The title of "Father or Dad" carries so much responsibility with it these days; I thought it would be appropriate to write something for those important and special men we call "dad".

One of the critical features of a child's healthy development is the participation of parents in their children's lives. I know this all too well. Larry King stated "I know what a father means because I didn't have a father". I believe that I appreciate my husband's involvement with my daughter more, because I didn't have a father.

Today there are many situations of single parent families, divorce or separation, many fathers do not live with nor have regular contact with their children. Regardless of family structure, both men and women are often faced with economic pressures or work schedules that don't match their children's needs. These living situations and work demands make it challenging to spend as much time with their children as they might like.

Children need both fathers and mothers for nurturing and meeting their physical and emotional needs. Family structures and economic realities make fathering today real difficult. Fathers and mothers should share the work of parenting to be more effective as parents. Most mothers learn by doing. Men can learn while on the job as well. Unfortunately fathers, have less opportunity for this hands-on parenting experience. Bill Cosby said "If the new American father feels bewildered and even defeated, let him take comfort from the fact that whatever he does in any fathering situation he has a fifty percent chance of being right."

My husband is truly a "dad" or as Madeline calls him "daddy". He spends his days off bonding with our daughter. They have fun playing at the park. She loves to ride on the lawn mower. They go to car shows and other community events. He even shares his softer side by being a responsible and well mannered guest at her tea parties. He dances with her as Cinderella and Prince Charming in full costume. Well at least he was wears a cape. He does the normal rough and tumble dad stuff too. Children love to use fathers as a playground equipment. I can never thank you enough, John, for your love and support of our little girl.

This year Father's Day is celebrated on Sunday June 17th, 2007. So in honor of those proud men who have the title of "daddy" try these activities to make Father's Day special for him:

1. Send him flowers or a plant---even fathers like something pretty.

2. Do one of dad's chores by - taking out the garbage, washing his car, doing some yard work, organizing the garage.

3. Make him breakfast in bed or take him out to dinner.

4. Be creative - make a hand crafted card or send him an on-line greeting card.

5. Rent his favorite movie and let him take the day off to relax.

6. Go somewhere dad wants to go- car shows, go fishing, or golfing.

7. The most important gift is to tell him you love him and thank him for being part of your life.