How to celebrate Father's Day if dad is away

Thousands of boys and girls look forward to the Father's Day to give him that gift that they have prepared with so much love. The stores are filled with posters and products to surprise dad and, in many schools, crafts or other activities are made to give away on this day.

But What happens when dad is away ?. For many children, Father's Day is not a cause for joy. The father may be absent for various reasons: work, separation, being a single mother or due to death. It must also be borne in mind that, in addition to the traditional family, there are many other models: single parents, two moms or two dads, grandparents or uncles who raise children…. . In all cases, the celebration of Father's Day can affect children who do not have a father in their lives to a greater or lesser extent.

How to celebrate Father's Day if dad is away?

The options to celebrate (or not) Father's Day are as many as types of families and circumstances of each one. A child who has grown up without a father figure does not feel the same as a child who has been forced into separation, as a child who lives with his grandparents or in a homosexual family. Each person is a world and we cannot generalize. However, I would like to give you some suggestions to spend this day in the best possible way.

Let your child ask and express their feelings

Your child is likely wondering why his dad is not there. You may also feel a little sadder or even more unruly than usual. Try to be prepared to respond and accompany him with love.  Talk honestly about the situation, but always avoid disqualifying your father.

If the little one feels embarrassed, try to provide a suitable environment and allow him to express himself freely.

If you and dad are apart

Ideally, the child is the one who decides how and with whom he wants to spend this day. You can spend the day with dad or, if the relationship is good, the three of you can do something together.

If the father is absent of his own free will, your child may feel somewhat resentful or angry. It is normal and you should let him express his feelings. If your child feels like it, you can plan a special day with the family or come up with some activities that they like and keep them distracted. If you don't feel like doing anything, calm down, the important thing is that he feels respected and loved even if his father is not there.

When daddy is away

Dad is often absent due to circumstances beyond his control. It may be for work reasons or because you live very far away. In any case, It is important that your child knows that, even if he is not there, he still has a father who loves him madly. You can plan ahead and have the child prepare a gift or letter to send to his father. You can also make use of new technologies and plan a video call for the indicated day and time. In this way, the little one can talk with his father for a while and feel closer to him. You can even prepare a family lunch or dinner, even with a screen in between.

If dad has passed away

In case dad has passed away, the celebration of Father's Day can become a moment to remember you in a special way. You can go visit his grave and bring him flowers or some detail made by the children. You can also spend the afternoon looking at photos or sharing memories. Some people prefer to cook Daddy's favorite food or go somewhere they used to go with him.

Any way of remembering him and paying a small tribute to what his life was is valid. Yes indeed, You always have to take into account the wishes of the child and inform him in advance of the plans we have. If you don't feel like it or are reluctant, it's best to change those plans to prevent the day from turning into a bad drink for your child.

Celebrate the day with another reference father figure

Many times there is no father, but there is other father figures who watch over our children and whom they love madly. It can be a grandfather, an uncle, a friend of the family, a teacher…. Anyone that the children feel close to and with whom they want to have a detail or celebrate this day.

Change Father's Day to Family Day

In many schools and families, the celebration of father's or mother's days is no longer being celebrated, moving the celebration to Family Day. It is a different option that can be used to get out of the way in case dad is not there. You can also take the opportunity to explain to your child that There are different types of family and within this diversity, what is important is the love they profess. 

There are many options to spend Father's Day. The way you spend it depends on your feelings and desires. In any case, the important thing is that children feel loved and protected, even when dad is missing.