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Father’s Day and adult children

(84 Posts)
Dizza25 Sat 18-Jun-22 18:17:16

Just wondering if people remind their adult DC about Father’s Day? I have 2 sons and a daughter, daughter always remembers, sons do usually but have missed on occasion. I have taken to reminding sons ( they live away from us now) with a text or in conversation on the phone. Our daughter doesn’t think I should as they are adults, however, I feel it’s more important that DH gets at least a card as it’s important to him and I don’t want him to be disappointed. What do others do, leave it to chance?

Gin Sat 18-Jun-22 22:42:33

My three sons have never remembered Father’s Day. DH and I had heard of it in our youth, am sure it is a commercial invention. We lived in many countries when the children were growing up and it was not observed as far as we knew.

Mother’s Day was Mothering Sunday the day in the past when those in service were allowed the day off to visit their church and take flowers for their mother. At my Sunday School we were given a small posy for our Mums.

Redhead56 Sun 19-Jun-22 00:04:17

Son and daughter never forget they bring a gift before the day or on the day if possible.

Hetty58 Sun 19-Jun-22 00:29:26

There was Mother's day when we were kids - but Father's day (along with Halloween) was seen as 'some silly commercial American thing' and ignored. My kids would bring me breakfast in bed and maybe chocolates (no flowers, as I'm allergic). It's never been a big deal, though.

MawtheMerrier Sun 19-Jun-22 08:36:59

Paw used to pooh pooh Fathers Day as a commercial invention by the greetings card companies, but even so, I know I am not alone in feeling more than a few pangs that he is no longer here to enjoy his children and grandchildren sad

flowersflowers to all who are in the same situation.

dragonfly46 Sun 19-Jun-22 08:44:54

Our two always remember!

timetogo2016 Sun 19-Jun-22 10:09:59

My two always remember,i wouldn`t dream of reminding them anyway,they are adults.

Yammy Sun 19-Jun-22 16:57:21

No I wouldn't remind them . I remember their birthdays and their husbands and children. DH very rarely contacts them, parcels arrived earlier in the week and I had to remind him to thank them. They have both facetimed him today I think he is very lucky as I am the one who keeps in touch with everyone and sends cards and presents.
He has even got me in trouble with his late mother,he said I shouldn't sign her mothers day card[which I had bought] as I was not her daughter.
I did nothing and neither did he, she even phoned her local flower shop to see where the flowers were only to be told they had not been ordered. Guess who got the tirade on the phone ,she soon quitened down when I explained.

Kate1949 Sun 19-Jun-22 17:03:19

Our daughter, son in law, and granddaughter have been today with gifts.
Maw flowers

Soozikinzi Sun 19-Jun-22 17:34:45

Im glad you put that thorough explanation Mokryna because simetimes it annoys me when people say Its all commercial .It mustve been wonderful for those in service to be able to get back to see their families . I know Fathers Day is more modern but its surely only fair in these days of equality .I do remind our sons but whats the harm in it ?

GrannySomerset Sun 19-Jun-22 17:42:34

As well as being Father’s Day today is my late FiL’s birthday and I am sad to think that I am probably the only person now who knows this. DD and DS will certainly miss their father today and at present most days.

Serendipity22 Sun 19-Jun-22 20:50:36

I dont remind, its a case of they are old enough to take on board. smile

Summerlove Sun 19-Jun-22 21:23:09

My parents always made me (the oldest) the appointment reminderer. As “the daughter” and “the oldest” it’s always been my job to organise things. I became quite resentful as we all aged, so while I might still plan something, it’s not my job to make sure everyone shows up.

They are adults. They’ll remember and make it a priority, or they won’t. I can’t twist myself into knots trying to anticipate it anymore

1summer Sun 19-Jun-22 21:43:45

My daughter always reminds my son. He is loving boy but tends to forget these sort of things. But we honestly don’t mind, his Dad is seriously ill but he takes him out once a week for an hour or so, every time he goes shopping he rings to see if we want anything, he cuts our lawns occasionally, he washes our car. These things are more important to us.

Sara1954 Mon 20-Jun-22 06:31:22

One daughter will always send a card, our son will text, and youngest will always bring around a gift.
We see them all the time, and I don’t think my husband would be bothered if they forgot.
My dad always forbade us to get involved, he said it was a load of rubbish!

luluaugust Mon 20-Jun-22 09:31:07

Our DS and DD's remember, particularly now they are parents themselves, just a card and usually some chocolates or a paperback.

Keffie12 Mon 20-Jun-22 12:19:23

I get mom day every year from my eldest cos he is married. My beautiful DiL ensures its sorted.

My late husband used to ensure the other 3 boys did it and my daughter rings me.

My youngest 3 live abroad so my daughter sees it on social media as moturrs day is on a different day abroad.

The other 2 boys (adult youngsters) abroad don't and I'm OK with that

I've never been a big one on cards like my daughter isn't. I'm their mom. We are close and in regular contact.

Men aren't good with these things hence why I know it gets sorted by my DiL

Newgran59 Mon 20-Jun-22 12:20:45

I decided not to organise my 2 daughters for FD this year. Outcome a very sad father. I think a quick message to both of them in future will be needed.

Nannashirlz Mon 20-Jun-22 12:32:42

Yes I do and I always get reply back saying don’t worry we’re not forgotten. But I remind my oldest granddaughter who doesn’t live with her dad and she text me back and said no worry nanna my mum reminded me but she is only 11. They don’t need me to remind them I just do it that’s just me I’d love if someone would do that to me but unfortunately my dad no longer here.

Gwenisgreat1 Mon 20-Jun-22 12:37:16

My DDs usually remind each other, so lucky to have DDs who are best friends, but don't live in each others pockets. DD1 rang on Saturday evening to ask him if he would like to go for a very long walk yesterday - he was delighted. He got a present as well! DD2 arrived with a pressie once he'd got back. A successful day.

Nanny2020 Mon 20-Jun-22 12:43:37

Interesting topic ,unless I figure out who’s doing what else where and organize a get together they all without fail call the day of . Rarely a gift or card is given. I used to suggest a group gift of something I knew he’d like. It was just a habit as I organized it all when they were kids . It got tiring once they were adults and I stopped and said he’s your dad you are adults do what you want for him !! So they just call .
I’m a bit disappointed at the lack of effort but I’m trying to let that go and accept and be grateful they at least call .

grandtanteJE65 Mon 20-Jun-22 12:45:13

As it is important to your husband, I agree you should drop a gentle hint to your sons. No need to tell your daughter you have done so.

Personally, I would like to see both mother and father's days abolished. I never understood why our parents should expect to be made a fuss of on one particular day of the year. They have birthdays like everyone else. But that is just me.

When I wanted to give either of my parents a present apart from their birthday or Christmas presents I just went ahead and did it.

grannybuy Mon 20-Jun-22 13:08:49

Thank you, Maw. DS and I raised a glass last night to our late DD/DH.

Happysexagenarian Mon 20-Jun-22 13:37:02

I remind our sons about family birthdays, anniversaries etc. But now that they're fathers themselves they are well aware of Father's Day! One son (just a few miles away) visits, but for the other two it's a very expensive and long journey, so we tell them not to come. They always phone but rarely send cards, which disappoints DH a little. I feel it's more important for them to remember his birthday as it's 'his special day'. I've always been the 'rememberer/organiser' in our family. All birthdays & anniversaries are marked on the calendar together with ages etc, and I buy all the cards I'll need at the start of each year and file them in a box in date order ready to send together with stamps. One son asked me for a list of family birthdays with ages and addresses. He lost it. Why are men so disorganised!

kwest Mon 20-Jun-22 13:40:52

It is not about stuff. It is about showing love and respect.
Our son and daughter always remember and daughter lives a long way away. She is very organized and card and present always arrive well in time and she always telephones on the morning of the big day. Our son usually visits on the morning of the big day with card and present. This year he texted at 7am to say that he would not be coming over as his wife has Covid and we are going away for a few days so he didn't want to put us at risk by bringing germs with him. The best thing is that both their cards have a hand-written message thanking their father for all he does for them and saying how much they love him. These days they do more for us than we do for them. But the message on the card and the phone call mean so much to him.

Summerlove Mon 20-Jun-22 13:42:32

* Why are men so disorganised!*

Usually, sadly, its because they know a woman who has been raised to be organised will sort it all for them.