Warning! Father’s Day is coming. Crappy gift alert!
If you’re like me and have young kids, you probably have enough cutesy neckties (one would probably be plenty at this stage in my life). And you certainly don’t need any more power tools, hand-painted birdhouses or lovingly crafted, refrigerator-quality original artwork.
So, rather than going through the usual Father’s Day ritual of receiving, why not turn the tables on the little buggers and give them a gift instead? Here are my humble suggestions for “Reverse Father’s Day”:
- Give them the complete ride around the course with you. Let them chase the geese, help cut cups and ride on a mower for a bit. Show them where the wildlife lives. They’ll love it because they’re learning about daddy’s job.
- Have a conversation. Ask them the, “What do you want to be when you grow up” question. You’ll be amazed at what tumbles out of their little mouths. (Note: If they answer, “A golf course superintendent, just like you daddy,” suggest they consider something less stressful such as coal mining or brain surgery.)
- Go play. When was the last time you played golf with your kid(s)?
- Do something dumb together. Grab all of the quarters out of your change jar at home and head to Chucky Cheese or Dave & Busters. Play every game with your kid(s) and lose to them badly. Plus, both places have beer, so there’s no downside on this one.
- Buy two copies of your favorite age-appropriate kids book, and read it with them. Have younger kids? Try “Oh, the Places You'll Go.” Older kids? How about “The Phantom Tollbooth” or “Treasure Island.” Share the experience of reading and talk about books together.
In every case, the idea is to share the gift of your time. That’s the most valuable present you can offer your children ... particularly during the crazy days of June in the golf season.
Wait, you don’t have kids but do have a dad? All of the gifts listed above still work. After all, dads are just big kids with mortgages and wrinkles.
Happy Reverse Father’s Day ...
GCN
Pat Jones is president of Flagstick LLC.