So, I’m a single mom who survived a hellish five-year divorce, and Mr. Ex and I have a history more complex than a soap opera plot. While he was a nightmare of a husband, he’s been an absolute dream of a father. And nobody can take that away from him. So why is Dad Day so absurdly and wrongfully underrated?
The other day, my kids hit me with a question that’s been echoing in my head: “Mom, why does the school have a Mother’s Day sale but not a Father’s Day sale? What do we get Dad for Father’s Day?” Good question, kiddos.
The Tutu Trot Tale
Let’s rewind to last weekend. My daughter and I were all set for the Mommy-and-Me Tutu Trot, a 5K race, which also provided the perfect excuse for me to wear a tutu without looking like a 44-year-old maniac. She’s been training all spring with her school’s running club, and this was her big moment. But then, the universe decided I needed a break and hit me with the flu—hard.
In my flu-induced delirium, I called Mr. Ex. Without hesitation, he canceled his plans and made sure our daughter didn’t miss out. Not only did he bring her to the race, but he also double-checked it was okay for him to run in the tutu event. And then, this normally stoic man donned a pink tutu and ran with our daughter and her friends, not missing a beat. That’s the kind of dad he is. To me, that’s worth celebrating in the biggest way possible.
The Marketing Gap: Why Is Father’s Day Underpromoted?
So, why doesn’t Father’s Day get the same hype as Mother’s Day? It likely boils down to traditional gender roles and consumer behavior. There are political and social concerns that make brands hesitant, fearing they might be perceived as supporting antifeminism or other unrelated issues. But Father’s Day should be about celebrating dads who are present, responsible, and role models for the next generation.
Mother’s Day gifts like flowers, jewelry, and spa days are easy to market. But it’s time for brands to step up and create campaigns that tug at the heartstrings just as much as Mother’s Day ads do. Are tools, gadgets, and fishing trips really that much harder to sell, or are brands just too afraid to craft emotionally compelling messages for Father’s Day?
Celebrating Fathers: Why It Matters
Fathers play a crucial role in their children’s lives. They teach, mentor, support, and love, often without the need for recognition. Celebrating Father’s Day should be about acknowledging these everyday acts of heroism and dedication.
When Mr. Ex ran the Tutu Trot with our daughter, he wasn’t just filling in for me; he was creating a lasting memory and reinforcing his role as an engaged, loving parent. This should be the narrative we promote—fathers stepping up, being present, and making a difference.
Moving Forward: What Can We Do?
We, starting with me writing this article and you reading this far, need to step up to the plate. It’s time to shift the narrative and push for increased marketing and recognition of Father’s Day. Schools could host events or sales, just like they do for Mother’s Day. Companies could diversify their Father’s Day offerings to include a broader range of interests and hobbies. And, as individuals, we should share and celebrate stories of fatherhood, making these examples visible and valued.
To all the fathers out there, and to the exes who rise to the occasion for their kids—you are seen, appreciated, and worthy of celebration. Here’s to making Father’s Day just as big and special as it deserves to be.
If you need some ideas on what to get your Mr. Ex “from the kids,” I recently posted an article with some great 2024 suggestions. There’s still time to order—check it out HERE.
This article was written by me, DubG, but I couldn’t decide where to publish it. I write a blog on MomVersusTheWorld.com about debt and divorce, but WishIWasGrounded.com was inspired by my son for reasons we won’t get into right now, so that’s where you’re reading it. Please follow us on both and subscribe if you like, or really dislike, my perspective. I’d love to hear your thoughts either way.
