Top Things We’ve Learned From Our Dads

Father's Day is coming up this Sunday (June 18th).  It's a day we celebrate our dads or father figures who have had an impact on our lives.  Some people celebrate with a simple phone call, while others may take their dad out to dinner or throw something on the grill.  It's always celebrated on the third Sunday in June.  And you may not know this, but Mother's Day played a role in the creation of Father's Day!

According to History.com, Mother's Day originated in the 1860s. It happened when an activist named Ann Reeves Jarvis pushed to celebrate "Mother's Work Days." But it wasn't until 1908 that Mother's Day became a commercial holiday. By 1909, forty-five states were celebrating, and in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson made the second Sunday in May the official holiday.

When it came to a special day for fathers, it took a bit longer to catch on.  In 1909, a woman who was raised by a widower attempted to establish something for male parents.  She reached out to various organizations and was eventually successful.  Washington State would celebrate the first statewide Father's Day on June 19, 1910.

After that first Father's Day, the holiday slowly grew.  In 1916, President Wilson honor the day.  But it wasn't until 1924 that President Calvin Coolidge would urge state governments to observe the holiday. And really, it wouldn't be signed in as a federal holiday until 1972 by Richard Nixon.

While it is a commercialized holiday, Father's Day still isn't at the same level as Mother's Day.  But the holiday does see growth year over year.  According to the National Retail Federation, 75% of people plan to celebate Father's Day this year, and the average per person spending is up from $171.79 in 2022 to $196.23 in 2023.

As for what gifts we're looking to spend money on? The National Retail Federation's survey found 61% on greeting cards, 55% on clothing, and 52% on special outings.

My parents live on nearly 2 acres of land.  So when I was growing up, I learned to mow the grass by helping my dad.  Not quite sure why, but my dad has always had at least 2 riding lawn mowers.  Makes me wonder if that was on purpose?  Ha!  But either way, I love to cut grass... as long as it's a riding mower!

My dad often says, "It's just money, we'll make more of it."  But this doesn't mean my dad is bad with money. In fact, he instilled in me the value of saving money and being smart with money!  But when we really needed something, or if there was something he knew we really wanted (more so as we got older and appreciated things more), he found a way to make it happen!

I have a really strong work ethic.  Some may say it's a bit much... but I definitely learned this from both my dad and my mom!  I watched them work my whole life, and I knew if I wanted things, I had to work for them!

We give my dad a hard time about how easily he can fall asleep in his recliner with the TV on.  But if I'm being honest, I'm the same way!  Let me get in my recliner and cover up with a blanket or have one of the pups to snuggle.  It won't take much time at all before I'm snoozing away!

If we ever whined about something not being fair... my dad was quick to remind us: "Life's not fair." And he's right!  How often do we see things every single day that just don't seem fair.  We may never understand why some people get things while others don't... but I feel like SOME things may go back to the lesson on hard work!

Dub's dad always told him if you do things right the first time, you only have to do it once! There's a lot of truth to that.  It saves you time and hassle... and makes you more trustworthy and reliable!

Dub's dad also taught him the importance of considering other people's feelings.  He reminded him to put himself in their shoes to really think about what they may be thinking or feeling. Such a valuable lesson that has served Dub well throughout life!

Dub's dad was also a great example for him when it comes to work.  There's something about watching your parents work hard each day that instills a strong work ethic in you.  And you can definitely see that reflected in Dub's life!