Father’s Day is coming up on Sunday 6 September, giving us a lovely opportunity to celebrate the dads and father figures who fill children’s lives with love, laughter and a sense of belonging.

Ask a young child what makes their dad or special person wonderful and you may hear something beautifully specific!

He makes my toast into triangles.
He lets me help in the garden.

He makes the funniest voices.

He sings the wrong words to songs.
He gives really big hugs.

These everyday details are often where children feel connection most strongly. They are also a wonderful place to begin when families and early learning services are planning a Father’s Day celebration.

Every family has its own story

Father’s Day can include dads, stepdads, grandfathers, foster and family carers, uncles, family friends and other important people who take on a fathering role. Some children may have more than one father figure. Others may have little or no contact with their father, or may be remembering someone they have lost.

For educators, if needed you could check with a quick, private conversation with families to understand who each child would like to celebrate and what language feels right for them. Giving children the choice to create something for Dad, Grandpa, an uncle or another special person allows everyone to take part in a way that feels comfortable.

Capture the things children say

Children’s own words can make the most memorable keepsakes.

Ask a few simple questions:

• What do you love doing together?
• What makes your dad or special person laugh?
• What is something they are really good at?
• What would you like to say thank you for?

At home, write the answers inside a card or record a short video.

In an early learning setting, educators can get crafty with children, adding each child’s words to a portrait, display or take-home page.

There is no need to tidy up the answers too much. The funny, unexpected way a child describes someone they love is part of what makes it special!

Make a portrait with a story

Invite children to create a portrait of dad using pencils, paint, collage pieces or natural materials such as leaves, sticks, shells and gum nuts.

Then add one sentence about the person they have drawn.

It might be heartfelt. It might be hilarious. It will almost certainly be more interesting than anything printed inside a shop-bought card.

At a service, these portraits could become a temporary gallery for a Father’s Day morning or afternoon. At home, they can be displayed somewhere Dad or the child’s special person will find them.

Make up a Father’s Day song

Young children love hearing their own ideas turned into a song!

Start with a familiar tune and ask children what they enjoy doing with Dad or their special person.

Reading stories. Riding bikes. Making pancakes. Gardening. Dancing in the kitchen. Giving giant hugs.

Educators can use their answers to create a simple group song, with each child contributing a word, action or line. Add movements and let the children make it as funny, noisy or affectionate as they like.

Families can try the same idea at home. Choose a familiar tune, change a few words and create a tiny song that belongs to your family.

It doesn’t need to rhyme or sound polished. The lines children invent are usually the best part!

Share the Bonkers Beat “My Daddy” poem

If you don’t have the time or resources to write poems or songs, our much-loved “My Daddy” poem is free to download and easy to use at home or in an early learning setting.

Children can learn and recite the poem, add it to a handmade card or decorate the printable as a special keepsake. Educators may like to share it during a Father’s Day morning or afternoon celebration, while families can enjoy learning it together at home.

The Bonkers Beat Father’s Day Complete Inclusive Pack includes the “My Daddy” poem, variations for an uncle, grandpa or another special person, an Auslan-supported version and a collection of creative, literacy and numeracy activities for children aged two to eight.

Celebrate the relationship

Years from now, children may not remember what was wrapped or what was served at morning tea.

They may remember the silly dance. The picture that made Dad laugh. The poem they were proud to recite. The moment their special person entered the room and looked genuinely delighted to see what they had made.

This Father’s Day, let’s celebrate those moments and the dads, father figures and special people who help children feel loved, known and proud of where they belong.