Ah, Father’s Day while on active duty! As someone who had fourteen Father’s Day celebrations while in uniform (not all of them at home), I have the following advice: Make it about the kids and not yourself.

Yes, it is tempting to demand the right to sleep in, then join your friends for paintball or play golf. Instead, I suggest you dive into the handmade cards, the smelly cologne, and the hideous ties you think you may never wear. When my oldest was six, I wore one of the ties to church that morning, and he talked about that for the whole week. Fortunately, I was not alone that day, and while the kids were bragging about their choices, we Dads got to commiserate.

If that seems ridiculous, let me point out that our family still laughs about that twenty-four years later. It’s one of those memories that stays with you—Paintball and golf, not so much. Honestly, the only good golf memories I have are from nine holes I played on a course in Namibia in 2004. Come to think of it, smelly cologne may be what kept away the insects the course manager warned us about before we started.

This next bit is for all those Moms and older children: Cut Dad a little slack. Instead of sunrise, let Dad sleep an extra five minutes. It may not seem like much, but from personal experience, looking at that clock and realizing you got any rest at all brings a smile to your face. That starts the day with a better attitude, and everyone is happy!

I would also point out that letting Dad sleep in a bit makes for a good reason to go to your favorite eatery for a quick breakfast before church or other scheduled activities that day. Bacon and omelets make for a happy family, especially since coffee at a diner is still the best! Going out also means Mom doesn’t have to supervise the kids destroying the kitchen. Everyone wins!

So Happy Father’s Day! Wear the tie, have a good cup of coffee, and enjoy your family. BTW, I still have a few of those cards.

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