I think I'll build Dad a mud pie, or maybe draw him a picture!
I view Father’s Day as the day to say thank you to that important man in my life and my children’s lives. We plan special meals and take him places that he enjoys. One of those is the logging museum at Collier Park in Oregon. It is filled with big machinery that he understands and that he can explain how they work to us. Strengthening that all important bond between child and Dad, that will last them a lifetime.
When I think back on my childhood years and my Father, the times I remember the most were when we were doing a project together. He freely shared his knowledge because I was interested in what we were doing. We built a rock garden for my Mother one summer because she always wanted one. He helped me do science projects and even getting in firewood was a shared endeavor. So often I see children who only get a glimpse of their Fathers late at night or occasionally on a weekend. Sometimes this is because Dad is super busy earning a living, but sometimes it is because they do not take the time to share any experiences.
When I was a teenager we moved to a large city leaving my Mother’s rock wall behind and while she understood the reasons we moved, she was still heartbroken. So, my Father and I built her a small garden pond, another thing she had always wanted. The experience taught me a lot not only about building things, but also about the relationships between family members. We all give and take depending on the need. Building a Garden Pond is an awesome way to reconnect family members and continue the learning cycle without it being involved in school books. I learned about math, science, and the environment.
So this Father’s Day why don’t you give Father and children a chance to reconnect and start a project of building your own garden pond. Learning does not stop when your children are not involved with homeschooling or during summer breaks from public school. An added advantage to having a pond in your garden is that it is a great place to gather together for dinners or quiet talks. It will attract all sorts of visitors including birds and other wildlife. Children love to feed goldfish and watch their antics as they flash around in the water. Flowers add a soft touch of color. The total effect is enchanting to all plus your children have a sense of pride in knowing that they helped create something lasting and beautiful!
