Ways that make a father stand out

To make each this time memorable, parenting experts say there are some things that fathers can do in their lives of their children.

Do not play to the gallery

According to Robby Muhumuza, a father, grandfather and director of Muhumuza Communications and Management consultant, fathers should not do anything whose motive is to "stand out". That would be playing to the gallery.  "The driving motive should be to do something that the child finds awesome. This is different from child to child depending on the age, gender, personality, experience, exposure and relationship with the Dad," explains Muhumuza.

Adding to stand out for your child, you should know what makes them go gaga and invest in it. Most human beings (including children) love to be given special personal attention; to be fretted over. To be made to feel loved. A case in point, is to look at the ‘five love languages'; which are words of affirmation, receiving gifts, being spent time with, acts of service and touch. Know the love language of each of the individual child. Invest in actions, or activities that communicate in the love language of each of your children. You will not go wrong with any of these and to your children; you will be the best dad ever.

Do projects together

Muhumuza says fathers hanging out with their children on Father's Day, doing together whatever the kids and father consider fun, enjoyable and memorable is another way to stand out.  He explains that this would be different from child to child. "I know my daughter would like to go out dancing with Dad. That would make father's day special. I know my grandson would love ice cream followed by a ride in the canoe on Kabaka's Lake for just the two of us as we sing " Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily. Life is but a dream ".  My daughter would also love going out for a movie together, followed by a meal at some posh place. Making an effort to do various things with your littles one will go along away in their minds," says Muhumuza.

Take turns cooking

If a father can recognize his wife (mother of his children) and the reason for why he is even a dad, then he will certainly go down as the best dad, says Elizabeth Masaba, a mid-wife nurse counsellor with Ebenezer Solacen Psychological Consultancy. On such day, take turn in cooking. It would be good if you wake up your family to a nice breakfast prepared by you. And if cooking is not one of your favourite chores, then taken them out for a meal. True someone else may have cooked, but it will be you paying for the food.  A family that dines together, stays together, says Masaba.

Whereas cooking would be a fun way to bond with the children and a chance to show them that cooking is not a reserve for the girl child, some fathers may not like it. "I don't like cooking and therefore eating out is the solution on Father's Day," shared Muhumuza.

Grooming your children

Grooming children is part of Dad's everyday role. Even babysitting, including; feeding, bathing, and dressing up the baby and toddler. But this can be a whole lot fun, if a father can choose a day to help children sort through their clothes. They can try on clothes to choose that which not fit anymore. And together come up with a plan to dispose them off. At another date, the father can take time to shop for a few clothes, so that it's not only their mother to buy clothes. Ensuring that children learn from their dad how to neatly fold their laundered clothes can be a great way to learn and enjoy keeping tidy.

Allow your wife to give the main speech at a child's event

It's true that children enjoy seeing their fathers speak at various functions that they are part of. But during this month of June, for any even that has been organized, let mothers speak. Stand beside them as they talk and if possible hold the microphone for your lady. Let supporting your wife at public speaking be your gift to her during this father's day. And do not forget to look at her lovingly as she speaks, so that you boost her esteem.

Celebrate their birthdays

It shouldn't always be mummy who knows your children birthdates. Other than leaving the mother to attend to the children's scheduled social events, go to them as the father. Let mother attend to other matters. This change of roles will show that you appreciate her efforts. To your babies, it will be wonderful seeing that you made time for them, while to your wife (mother of your children), she will not miss a chance to brag about how thoughtful and caring you are. 

Take your lady out

These days, people are so busy that taking time to enjoy life's pleasures is next to none, says Elizabeth Masaba. But as a father, use the opportunity to take your wife out. It could be going out for a memorable night. Remember, it's the mother who bares children so that you can be a father, so to stand out, openly acknowledge that its father's day in the presence of your children and as such, you are taking your wife out. There is everything beautiful and exemplary encouraging to your children.

Take a road trip

If children have for long, wanted to take a trip somewhere, this is a time to do it as a treat from dad. Drive anywhere interesting and do not forget to give the children a guided tour on their way. If you have young children, this is a time to let them share stories and remember to reward them for it. Remember to ask a few questions on the way back, just to find out what stood out for each child. This act of bonding will be memorable even as they grow to have families of their own.​

Nurse your children

It's good to have mummy with you as you take your medicine. But a child gets more psychological relief and quick healing when dad holds their hand or if under 8years, seats on dad's lap as they take their medication. "I usually get better and feel that my parents care about my health when my dad carries me and mom gets the medicines I have to take ready. Sometimes I will even pretend that I am going throw up, so that my dad pats my back so that I do not vomit the medicine. I think fathers are the best care givers. They will even insist that you get a special treat if you take all your medicines. My father is that special," shared eight year old Trinah Tumusiime. And probably this explains why pregnant women who go to access antenatal with the fathers of their babies do not wait long in line at hospitals.