How To Show Your Dad He is Loved

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.

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.