Whatever you call your Dad – Griller of Meats, Helper of Homework, Superdad, Mr. Fix It – Father’s Day is an opportunity to say THANK YOU and I LOVE YOU to someone who raised you.
Saying thank you and I love you on ANY day is great, but I also like having an actual holiday that reminds me to send that card I’ve been putting off because I’m “too busy”.
It’s no surprise that greeting cards are my preferred way of sending my love. Duh, I’m a stationery designer. But sometimes it's hard to know where to start. How to put my feelings into words. Sincere words, authentic words, special words.
I came up with three different ideas for creating a unique and thoughtful card for Father's Day this year. You can use any of these as a starting point. You can go for the heart strings to make him tear up or keep it funny and light to make him laugh. Either way, words of gratitude are always well received.
Here are 3 EASY PROMPTS for writing a heartfelt message to your Dad:
1. Thank you for… List all the big and small things you can think of that your Dad has done for you throughout your life. Could be a small as coming to your soccer games or bigger things like working hard at his job to provide you with food, a home, clothes, etc. You could probably fill the inside of a card with your list of all the big and small things that you appreciate.
- Thank you for teaching me how to drive when I was fifteen.
- Thank you for taking us on family vacations every summer.
- Thank you for sending me to good schools so I would have the opportunity of education.
- Thank you for letting me be figure things out my own way.
- Thank you for being a wonderful Grandpa to my children.
- Thank you for teaching me the words to every Beatles song.
2. Remember when… Describe your favorite memory with your Father. The more detail you can remember, the better. Sometimes the things a child remembers are very different than what an adult remembers. Then write how thankful you are to share that with him.
- Remember when you took me to the Emergency Room late at night when I broke my arm. That must have been scary.
- Remember when I was five we went to Disney World and I was terrified of the characters. I remember holding onto your leg so tight!
3. Like Father like… Think of all the ways you are like your Dad. What you inherited from him. It could be something physical like the color of your hair. Or it could be a learned behavior like super fly dance moves. All parents are proud of the good traits they pass onto their child.
- Thanks for giving me your sense of humor.
- Thanks for giving me your strong work ethic.
- Thanks for giving me a love of Jackie Chan movies.
I admit, greeting cards are not the same as being in the same room with someone, but people love snail mail. Don’t underestimate the moment of surprise and joy when you see an unexpected card in your mailbox. Dads are no exception!
You can use these same prompts for someone else who was a role model figure to you – an Uncle, Grandfather, a family friend. Use Father’s Day as a day to thank them!
Father's Day is Sunday, June 18th!
xoxo,
Brynne