Father's Day Ruminations: Are Fathers Necessary?

A new look at a traditional family relationship

The first American Father's Day celebration was held on July 5, 1908, in Fairmont, West Virginia, only about 20 miles from the location of the first Mother’s Day celebration in Grafton. The event was the emotionally charged response to a mine explosion that had occurred one year earlier, killing more than 300 men, most of whom were fathers. Hundreds of grieving widows were left behind, along with more than 1,000 fatherless children.

Mrs. Grace Clayton, a woman who had lost two children and understood family loss well, was moved to establish an annual holiday to honor and remember all fathers for their great contributions to their families. But while this Father’s Day observance is mentioned in at least one historical document, it has all but been forgotten, and it is a separate event that occurred one year later that is most often referred to as the “beginning of Father’s Day.”

At a Mother’s Day celebration almost a year later, a young woman named Sonora Louise Smart was thinking about the sacrifices her father had made while shouldering the responsibility for his six children after his wife had died eleven years earlier.

Father's Day Video from "Evolution of Dad" -- Part 7 of 7

In celebration of Father's Day, the filmmakers behind the "Evolution of Dad" documentary project filmed close to 150 people around New York City, talking about their dads. The interviews are touching, funny and sometimes heartbreaking. We hope you enjoy the videos and share them with those you care about this Father's Day.

Happy Father's Day to all the father's celebrating their special day this coming Sunday.

Don't forget to call your father

Warm Regards

- Eric

Father's Day

“One time my kids wanted to surprise me with a good breakfast in bed on Father's Day. They put a cot in the kitchen.”

While fatherhood is a serious business, you cannot deny the fun and craziness involved in it for both the dad and the kids. A father holds a magnificent place on this planet.

A father ocean catfish is a true example of a devoted father. He carries the eggs of his young is his mouth until they are ready to be born, which may take up to several weeks. During that time, he cannot eat a thing!

Penguins are another good example; Father penguins keep on their feet in arctic temperatures for sixty days or more to protect his eggs. He hides them on top of his feet, hiding them with feathered flap. Like the catfish, he cannot eat for the duration of his guard of the eggs.

Father's Day Video from "Evolution of Dad" -- Part 6 of 7

In celebration of Father's Day, the filmmakers behind the "Evolution of Dad" documentary project filmed close to 150 people around New York City, talking about their dads. The interviews are touching, funny and sometimes heartbreaking. We hope you enjoy the videos and share them with those you care about this Father's Day.

It may not be Father's Day today, but as a father it is great to hear the appreciation and love for fathers.

Call your father

Warm Regards

- Eric

Father's Day Video from "Evolution of Dad" -- Part 5 of 7

In celebration of Father's Day, the filmmakers behind the "Evolution of Dad" documentary project filmed close to 150 people around New York City, talking about their dads. The interviews are touching, funny and sometimes heartbreaking. We hope you enjoy the videos and share them with those you care about this Father's Day.

It may not be Father's Day today, but as a father it is great to hear the appreciation and love for fathers.

Call your father

Warm Regards

- Eric

Father's Day Video from "Evolution of Dad" -- Part 4 of 7

In celebration of Father's Day, the filmmakers behind the "Evolution of Dad" documentary project filmed close to 150 people around New York City, talking about their dads. The interviews are touching, funny and sometimes heartbreaking. We hope you enjoy the videos and share them with those you care about this Father's Day.

It may not be Father's Day today, but as a father it is great to hear the appreciation and love for fathers.

Call your father

Warm Regards

- Eric

Father's Day Video from "Evolution of Dad" -- Part 3 of 7

In celebration of Father's Day, the filmmakers behind the "Evolution of Dad" documentary project filmed close to 150 people around New York City, talking about their dads. The interviews are touching, funny and sometimes heartbreaking. We hope you enjoy the videos and share them with those you care about this Father's Day.

It may not be Father's Day today, but as a father it is great to hear the appreciation and love for fathers.

Call your father

Warm Regards

- Eric

10 things to do with your kids on Father's Day - Part 3: preschoolers

There are heaps of cool things you can do with pre-schoolers Fathers Day (or any day of course). Check this out:

• make a simple board game like "Ludo" or "Snakes and Ladders" and play it with your little champ


• fly a kite (even better if you can make one yourself)


• play one on one football, basketball, touch rugby (any sport really)


• show them the old baking soda and vinegar volcano trick


• show them how to make a bow and arrow


• make a fire (somewhere safe obviously) and roast something (sweetcorn, marshmellows, potatoes, etc)


• play sink or float


• organise a treasure hunt in your house or garden


• get a couple of balloons and tie them to your ankles - then play ankle balloon pop


• bake some cookies together (there's 100s of easy recipes on the net - just pick one that works with the ingredients you've got to hand

Whatever you do have a great Father's Day - you're an awesome dad!

Dad, you know?

Happy Fathers Day to all dads in New Zealand and Australia!

Have a good one!

-Stef

Father's Day 2011 - Whatever happened to Ward Cleaver

When I grew up, there were wonderful dads that were the staple of television. These TV dads were an ideal that we all realized was a bit too perfect, but these dads (and moms, for that matter), made us feel good. I liked Ward Cleaver (Hugh Beaumont on “Leave It To Beaver”). I liked Steven Keaton (Michael Gross on “Family Ties”).

Carroll O’Connor broke precedent dramatically with his portrayal of Archie Bunker in “All In the Family,” but under his occasionally crass, racist, and sexist blue-collar worker there was still a loving and caring father! And, later on, everyone loved Cliff Huxtable, played by Bill Cosby on the long-running hit show that bore his name. Bill Cosby’s “Dad” was named the number one TV dad of all-time by TIME magazine!