Should You Celebrate Father's Day?
Filed under: Pop's Wallet
Julia Kollewe
It's Father's Day on Sunday but many of us won't be celebrating because they believe it has become too commercial.
Nearly a quarter of us would rather be doing something else on Father's Day than spending time with our dads. And 40% of us won't celebrate at all this Sunday.
Of those who do plan to mark the occasion, one third of adults questioned by The Co-operative don't plan to see or talk to their dad on the day with many relying on text, email, Skype or Facebook to pass on their good wishes.The Co-operative survey also highlights the huge gap that exists in how well we know our dads - something which could leave us facing problems in later life, according to Ian Mackie, managing director of The Co-operative Wills and Funeral Planning.
He said: "Of the 2,000 adults we surveyed, aged 20 to 50, one third believes that Father's Day has become too commercial and is too expensive. Many people feel pressured into spending lots of money, when really they should just plan to spend time with their dads.
"Sadly, a quarter of us admit to not knowing our dads very well. 50% don't know even the most basic things about his life, such as his school days or what he wanted to be when he was young. Over a third have never discussed with him more practical matters like if he has arranged a will or what kind of funeral he would like. This is despite the fact that it is most likely to be his children who will arrange it."
It's easy to be cynical and dismiss Father's Day as yet another commercial rip-off, but there are loads of ways to surprise your dad on Sunday without spending too much.
It's Father's Day on Sunday but many of us won't be celebrating because they believe it has become too commercial.Nearly a quarter of us would rather be doing something else on Father's Day than spending time with our dads. And 40% of us won't celebrate at all this Sunday.
Of those who do plan to mark the occasion, one third of adults questioned by The Co-operative don't plan to see or talk to their dad on the day with many relying on text, email, Skype or Facebook to pass on their good wishes.The Co-operative survey also highlights the huge gap that exists in how well we know our dads - something which could leave us facing problems in later life, according to Ian Mackie, managing director of The Co-operative Wills and Funeral Planning.
He said: "Of the 2,000 adults we surveyed, aged 20 to 50, one third believes that Father's Day has become too commercial and is too expensive. Many people feel pressured into spending lots of money, when really they should just plan to spend time with their dads.
"Sadly, a quarter of us admit to not knowing our dads very well. 50% don't know even the most basic things about his life, such as his school days or what he wanted to be when he was young. Over a third have never discussed with him more practical matters like if he has arranged a will or what kind of funeral he would like. This is despite the fact that it is most likely to be his children who will arrange it."
It's easy to be cynical and dismiss Father's Day as yet another commercial rip-off, but there are loads of ways to surprise your dad on Sunday without spending too much.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-16-2011 @ 11:30AM
Nicole said...
This is an indication that fathers need to take a more active role in their children's lives. Fathers need to communicate to their children whom the fathers are as individuals because living on into the next generation is more than passing on your surname and genetics.
Reply
6-16-2011 @ 11:47AM
David said...
You know what. Kids should count their blessings that there father is not there a lot. Generally the reason he is not there is because he is probably working overtime to pay the bills, school excursions, entertainment, not to mention putting a roof over their heads and making sure they don't have anything to worry about.
Anyway, when they're teenagers they don't really want to be around their parents anyway.
What would it take to tell your dad you think he is special...there's something wrong when he does all the sacrificing for his family and then they fault him because he doesn't pay enough attention?
We raised two boys and even though they went through all of the phases, they always treated me special on fathers day.
C'mon kids...go give your dad a hug...he will appreciate it.
Reply
6-16-2011 @ 8:07PM
luke said...
Actually, David you are so wrong. It is important to pay the bills yes, but it is equally important to spend time with your kids. There is overwhelming evidence in the psychological literature that finds children of absent fathers are increasingly likely to be involved with the law. If you look at the factors involved in the genesis of a serial killer, absent father is one of them. Many of the psychodynamicists put forth strong theories explaining the consequences of absent father. Probably because father is usually associated with justice and values, children who grow up without father tend to suffer from problems with identity. They tend to identify with sub-culture icons as a source of identity(Erikson). Yes I have a degree in psych.
6-16-2011 @ 1:05PM
Averagedancer said...
Many, many men use work as an avoidance tactic, and it costs them down the line. Period. Can't always wave the "sacrificing-for-the-family" flag; kids just don't buy it anymore. They tend to give what they get.
Reply
6-17-2011 @ 2:36AM
Stan said...
It seem like, Our youngest son could't get away from us soon enouuh, after that we hardly ever see him,unless he needs something. I'm wondering if I will even get a call for Farthers day.
Reply
6-19-2011 @ 3:59AM
Sprinkles76 said...
Happy Father's Day Stan
6-18-2011 @ 4:57PM
Toxic Scott said...
Actually, Luke you are wrong. You are wrong about David being wrong. I read an opinion in his comment, which he is entitled to. Your argument and psychology book evidence does little to explain why you feel he is wrong and more to promote the point “Hey look @ me I just got my degree”. Maybe you should have spent more time in debate club and less in psych class.
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6-19-2011 @ 10:30PM
Mike said...
Actually Nicole you are totally wrong which clear shows the attitude that this feminist society has taken towards fathers and the pushing out of Dads and the demeaning and devaluing of their roles. Although what Luke says is true his statement highlights how what Dads do is thought as selfless and uncaring. Were damned if we do and damned if we don't. Dads just let you kids know how you feel about them and you expect some attention once a year. Its not to much to ask.
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6-19-2011 @ 10:33AM
Raj said...
My dad placed his profession and career above his kids. I do not want to make the same mistake. I work very hard in my profession but I always set aside quality time with my kids who are both teens-vacations, sports etc..The funny thing is since my divorce (kids live with mum during the week and they are with me in weekends) I spend more quality time with my kids and we are celebrating father's day to celebrate our close and strong relationship.
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6-19-2011 @ 1:57PM
Francette said...
I have the greatest dad on the planet, who unfortunately passed away 15 years ago! He was better than the dad on the TV show, Leave It To Beaver!! He provided my sisters and I love, compassion, forgiveness, moral standards and guidelines which were soooo much more important than things or riches!! I followed my dad's (and mom's) example when it came to bringing up my daughter and have been greatly blessed in that I now have the greatest daughter on the planet who will follow my example with her kids!! Thanks a lot, dad, I love you soooooo much and I will see you again one of these days soon and give you the biggest hug ever!!
Reply
6-21-2011 @ 6:30AM
Johnny Ace said...
This article is disrespectful at best. Shame on you, WalletPop. {{-_-}}
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