How To Show Your Dad He is Loved

Thursday, June 15, 2017

My dad and I are very different in a lot of ways. I like to read, my dream job is on the computer, and I love the beach. My dad doesn't like to read, doesn't like technology, and lived at the beach for 22 years and probably went onto the actual beach less than ten times 😂

But on the other hand, we both love TV and Netflix binges (to a fault, admitably), we both love sports, and we both love riding bikes. And when I was growing up, these were "our things". We would watch episode-upon-episode of Walker Texas Ranger and The Brady Bunch, we would ride bikes, and we watched pretty much every televised Duke basketball game there was.

And then there were my basketball games. My mom, dad, nana, brother, and grandaddy would come to every single game they could- even the road games. And my dad would bring his video recorder and film the game. This allowed us to watch the tapes and see what I could improve on and feel really good about what I did right (I mostly watched for the "what I did right parts"- not gonna lie 😝).

I always loved that my family came to every game, but as I've gotten older, I've realized what a blessing and privilege it was to have a Dad (and the rest of my family) be so invested in something that I loved.

When you are a kid, you don't always realize what you have right in front of you. But I am so thankful for my entire family, and today (and this Father's Day) I want to specifically honor my dad. I appreciate him. I love him. And even in the areas where we disagree or can't relate, I still am grateful for him.

And that's why I want to take today to give a few tips and ideas on how to show your dad he is loved. Use them on Father's day, yes, but take it a step further and practice them all the time.


How to show your dad that he is loved. | #family #fathersday


Listen To What He Says

My dad likes to talk about TV shows a lot. Sometimes people don't understand that that's "his thing" and they don't really listen very well. But my dad just wants to tell people about his interests just like I want to tell people about mine. Not everyone really cares about the blogging world, but I get excited and I tell people about it. Daddy does the same, but with old TV shows and actors/actresses. 

When your dad is interested in something, listen to him. Don't just ignore him, pick on him, or change the subject. Taking interest in the interests of our parents will mean so much more to them than we realize.

Ask Him How He Is Doing

Sometimes, people just want to be asked how they are doing. They may give you a one-word answer, but even then it just feels good to be asked.
Always ask your dad how he is doing. Ask him how work has been, how his latest project is going, or what he has been up to lately. Whether he elaborates or just says "I'm good", I am confident he will appreciate the gesture.

Don't Play Favorites

Our parents want to know that they are loved equally. They don't want to worry that we like our other parent better, or feel left out all the time. Make a conscious effort to be involved in conversation with both parents any time you are all together. Don't just spend all your time with your Mom and leave your dad sitting in the living room alone. And don't reverse the situation either. Remain equally loving and participatory with both parents so that they both feel loved and appreciated.

Don't Just Call When You Need Something

No matter how much your dad might like to feel needed, he also wants to know that if you never needed help changing your oil, paying your bills, or whatever else you can fill in the blank with- you would still call and you would still spend time with him.

Sometimes we forget that the people who raised us can still become insecure and worry that they aren't cherished. We need to be aware of this and show them that they do matter and we do care. And calling just to say "hi" or "I love you" is a great way to do that.

My final challenge to you is to remember that treating your dad well is not just a Father's Day event- it should be a lifestyle. So while he may want to be treated like a king on Father's day (and who can blame him, really?), he wants to be loved and respected everyday. So do your best to make that happen.

What are your favorite memories with your dad? Comment below.












8 comments

  1. Yas! Girl, I love that you shared fun memories of your dad. I am a Mama and a Daddy's girl--it's totally possible! I am so excited, because tomorrow, my parents are coming to visit my hubby and I, and I get to shower him with Father's Day love the whole weekend. It's hard being away from family (I live 3 hours away from them), but I'm excited to spend my first father's day with him in like 3+ years! My favorite childhood memories would be working outside. He always let me help or "pretend" I was helping fix a tractor, a car, or let me cut the grass! Ah now I can't wait to see him tomorrow! <3

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    1. That's so awesome! That will be a lot of fun! Soak in every minute!
      I won't get to see my dad this weekend, but I am hoping we can do something super soon!

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  2. Ever since we moved back to Malaysia, we've lived within walking distance of my parents' place, and it's been nice getting to know my dad again as an adult, and seeing Angel spend time with him as well. For my personality and his, I think it fits that I do a lot of showing love in practical ways--that's the love language that we share the strongest. My Mom is away from home right now, so today I swept his house, did two loads of laundry, and made him lunch.

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  3. I think asking your dad how he is doing is a huge thing. These simple things mean so much. My dad is my hero and I can't imagine my life without him. I feel so sorry for the people out there who never had a father. Breaks my heart! Great post, Kristin!

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  4. Aww, this is so sweet! I hope my dad knows how much we all love him. We are not a family who says 'I love you a lot', but we show it in the way we act with and around each other and with non-verbal communication. I talk to my parents every single day and we visit them often, and I think that's how he knows. Still, maybe I should do a little more this time :) My favorite memories are not mine, but his: he always tells people two stories about me. One, that I once bit his nose when I was upset. And the other story is how my dad was walking around with (well I couldn't walk yet) and a little girl asked him why he was walking around with a little doll. Haha, I love my dad and his memories. I will see him tomorrow!

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  5. What good advice! It's hard to do when living so far away from my parents (I'm in Aus and them in the US), but a great reminder, especially around the time of Father's Day! I need to find some good ways to show them I love and appreciate them year round!

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  6. I love this! I've been blessed with the best dad ever and I try to work hard to show him how much I love and appreciate him. These are all great ideas!

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  7. Love this post! My dad and I have a special relationship. He is not much of a talker but his favorite thing is to just spend time with all of his kids. Some of my favorite memories are of all of us sitting around the dinner table talking and laughing! :)

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