There comes a moment when a new father suddenly realizes that Father's Day is about more than shipping off a golf tie to his own dad. It's about him. In fact, his chip-off-the-old-block nine-pound infant translates to brunch in bed and a full day's dominance of the remote control, not to mention years of feigning excitement over horrendous gifts.
For some new dads, the first Father's Day has even more significance. "I used to think Father's Day was just another Hallmark excuse to sell cards," says Bill Magill of San Francisco, California. "But then my father died just a few months before my son was born. The switch was very noticeable and it caused me to reflect on what it's all about to be a dad, and how I can be a better one in the future." To Bill, Father's Day is not about being on the receiving end of lavish treatment, but an opportunity to reflect on his parenting skills.
Celebrating the first Father's Day, even before Junior can say da-da, is a great way to acknowledge Dad's present and future contribution to the family unit. Of course, it's up to usually up to Mom to plan the festivities.
