NOT FOUND: fathersday.jpg.jpgIn Australia Fathers’ Day is always recognized on the first Sunday of September, while in the United States, Fathers’ Day is always recognized on the first Sunday in June. In either case, both countries acknowledge Fathers’ Day as an opportunity for fathers to receive honor, and to celebrate fatherhood and male parenting. How we choose to honor our fathers is also different around the world. In America some of the most common gifts given on Fathers’ Day include a new tie with his families photo on it, a new set of wrenches and power tools, or a gift card to his favorite local restaurant; whatever the case maybe, the celebration of fatherhood will be felt by fathers around the world and throughout our local community.

In today’s society it is important that we honor our fathers and motivate them, because they are the head of the family. Children receive their training and instruction first at home and then from many other people as they continue to grow up. However, the father is one of the greatest influences made on them. From childbirth to graduation all the way up to their wedding, the father plays a very important role. The father will pass his genes as well as mannerisms and traditions, on to his children, especially his sons.

So how does a father continue to train his children? The answer is simple. If you plant a positive, enriching seed within a child while he or she is young, then the child is less likely to depart from his or her ways. This, in fact, is the beginning foundation of traditions. If you think about it, many of our greatest moments are built upon traditions. These traditions come in many forms. They could be cultural, regional, seasonal, or they could be traditions we have learned or created. The traditions that are instilled in us as young children become some of the same traditions that we pass on to our children. We must not only be aware of the good traditions we pass on to our children, but also the bad ones we pass on to them unintentionally.
Regardless of the circumstances, as fathers we need to know that we have a lasting impression on our children well past adulthood and for generations to come. Good traditions should be made a habit. There are many ways for a father to spend time with his child at an early age. Fathers could enjoy practicing baseball with his son, helping him develop into a major leaguer pitcher, he could get dirty with his son by teaching him how to repair an automobile, or he could take him to the barbershop to get his haircut. A father must make special time devoted specifically to his children to carry on these traditions, and realize the importance of spending time with his son.

Fathers who are searching for a way to bond with their child should look no further than their local barbershop. We consider a baby’s first haircut to be a very memorial event. We save the locks of hair and paste them into baby books never to be seen again. After the first hair cut the barbershop is never again used as a foundation for memories or traditions. Despite what many people may think, a man’s grooming can become a great and inexpensive alternative for fathers to spend time with their son. Going to the barbershop is a great way for fathers to teach their son money management as he negotiates the tip and gratuity, or socialization skills and assertiveness when he request his favorite hair style. In any case, the lessons learned at the barbershop are lessons to be used for a lifetime. Just like the institution of the barbershop that began during the late 1800s and remains similar today, Fathers’ Day should be a celebration to all fathers for the successful lesson he teaches his children, especially his son or sons.