As a kid, I hated when we were instructed to make Father's Day cards and crafts. My mom and dad were divorced. My dad didn't play an active role. I lived in a small town where no one else's parents were divorced.
So... when teachers or Sunday school teachers would announce,"Today we are going to make something special for your dads for Father's Day!" I would cringe. I didn't want to make something for a man that I remember beating my mom, but I also didn't want to have to explain to anyone why I wasn't participating.
So, this week, when one of my fellow teachers said, "Hey, why don't we make a Father's Day craft on Friday?" I couldn't help but speak up.
We made the craft say, "Happy Father's Day ______________!" This way students could write in Dad or Grandpa or Uncle Paul or Steve (mom's new boyfriend) or even Mom or Grandma.
I told my students, "You write on that line the name of the person you want to give this to... anyone who plays a special role in your life that you want to thank. I would be writing mine to my mom."
I only wish I would have had a teacher think about that when I was a kid.
And, Mom, I know you are looking down on me ... Just wanted to say, "Thanks ...and Happy Father's Day!!"
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6 months ago
That's a great idea, with so many different families :) now nobody will feel left out.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea. I hated making cards as well. Was hard cause everyone seemed to "know" my dad didn't live with me.
ReplyDeleteThat is a really sweet idea! I hated both days when I was younger because I was raised by my grandparents so I never felt like it fitted.
ReplyDeleteI love that idea. kuddos to you for not making it a bad experience for any of the kids in your class. they will always remember you for that.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea and fabulous post. My four-year-old nephew is being raised by his grandparents; mom's dead and dad's in prison for life. Poor li'l guy has the hardest time with Mother's Day and Father's Day. I wish all schools/teachers would be a little more proactive in considering non-traditional families.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea. Lot of parents play more than one roll, and kids should never be put in a position of feeling bad about not having someone in their life.
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