Kids Making Dad's Day

Even the youngest of children love treating Dad to a special day each September. And there are many ways they can do so without needing lots of money or buying heaps of gifts.

Some ideas will need Mum's input and approval, but it is great for children to feel in control and as if they really contributed to the Day for their Dad. Here are some ideas to get those imaginations started:

Actions Speak louder than words...

* Take Dad breakfast in bed

* Wash Dad's car - be careful to do a good job.

* Sort the nails and screws into different containers in Dad's shed.

* Go to the footy together, or watch it on TV together on the couch.

* Go to bed early that night without a fuss so Dad can have a peaceful evening.

* Read a bedtime book to Dad instead of the other way around. And don't think you or Dad are too old for this...

* Go for a walk or bike ride around home with Dad. Or see if he wants to take you on a drive somewhere for the day.

* Talk to your Dad. Ask him about his Dad and what he used to do on Fathers Day.

* Sort some of Dad's photos into an album for him. Or at least sort them into groups for him to put in an album.

A thoughtful gift will bring a smile to Dad's face...

* Make Dad a bookmark. You could draw or paint onto a piece of cardboard, or maybe make a collage of photos of you into a bookmark.

* Use some of your artwork to cover a folder or notebook for Dad to keep important papers in.

* Write out a voucher for Dad to use whenever he wants. The vouchers could be for you to clean your room, wash the dog, massage Dad's back, clean Dad's shoes, mow the lawn, clean the gutters, cook a meal, update virus protection on his computer, iron his shirts or any other task that Dad would appreciate.

* Make a promise book. Put together a number of vouchers into a booklet so Dad can have lots of help throughout the next year.

Tash Hughes is a Mum of two in Melbourne. She is also a writer and owner of Word Constructions. Tash is available to write articles and profiles for any business, as well as doing other business documentation projects. You can see her site and services at www.wordconstructions.com