If you’re a homeschool family, Dad is most likely not only your father, but also your principal and perhaps teacher for at least one subject. That realization should prompt us to honor our dads—for those reasons, and many more.

In recent years, fatherhood has become the brunt of jokes and ribbing (both good-natured and sometimes not so good). Sitcoms and kids’ books often make dad the naïve, absent-minded, and occasionally foolish parent. It may get a laugh on television, but we need to guard against that mindset in our own family’s attitudes about Dad.

Most of our writing here at A Reason For Homeschool is devoted to encouraging moms. Our team is made of up women who understand the unique challenges of being a wife and mother while embracing a lifestyle of home education.

But today we want to focus on the dads. Their support and commitment is—in many homeschooling families—what makes this lifestyle possible. Living on one income in today’s environment can be a struggle. Dad has often stepped up to bear the total weight of providing for the family, to make it possible for mom to be home. Being home is not easy, Mom, but as you count down the minutes for the cavalry (a.k.a. Daddy) to come home, just remember that his day may not have been a picnic either. He is most likely spending the bulk of his waking hours with folks who don’t share his faith or his values. Colorful language, impure motives, and unreasonable expectations may flow forth from his co-workers or even his supervisor. He most likely chooses not to share those details with his family, but we can make a conscious effort to be sure that pulling into the driveway at home is always the best part of his day.

Perhaps you’ve already bought Dad a new tie, or maybe you have plans to take him out to his favorite BBQ place for lunch on Sunday, but here are ten more ideas to make him feel like your family’s hero this Father’s Day. Most cost very little or nothing, yet I think most dads would treasure any of these gifts because of the thought, time, and effort they represent.

1. Make an acrostic for Dad’s name.
   My hubby’s name is Kevin, so here’s my attempt to honor him:

K   Kind
E   Easy-going
V   Valiant
I    Insightful
N   Noble

 If you need help coming up with specific adjectives, try adjectivesstarting.com.

2. Create a coupon book for Dad.
   Include coupons for weeding flower beds, washing windows, mowing the grass, taking out the trash, and cleaning out the garage. (You will, of course, be able to think of others specifically for the Dad in your family.)

3. Serve Dad breakfast in bed.
   Make it special – eggs, bacon, grits, biscuits, muffins, pancakes … any or all! Whatever Dad’s favorites may be, make it special and make it big!

4. Wash and wax his car.
   Most dads like having a clean car, but life is full and this task often falls to the wayside. If everyone pitches in, you can make it happen quickly. Crank up some upbeat music and sing together while you work. Don’t forget to vacuum the interior thoroughly, clean the windows inside and out, and scrub those hubcaps!

5. Create a scavenger hunt with clues for dad to find his gift on Sunday.
   Here are a couple to get you started:
   – Add up the two-digit birth years of all your children and divide the total by the number of children you have. Look on that page of your favorite book to find your next clue.
   – Look under the container that contains milk juice. (Tape a clue to the milk carton in your fridge.)
   – These two go left and right together when the water falls. Today they are holding down your next clue. (Place a clue under the windshield wiper.)

   You can get creative and even make the clues rhyme:
   It’s fluffy and white
   It holds your head at night.
   Look underneath
   To get your next clue in sight. (Place a clue under Dad’s pillow.)

6. Find a Bible verse that describes your Dad.
   Write it. Decorate a border around it. Consider framing it. You can use one of our sponsor’s free Border Sheets (click HERE to visit AReasonFor.com and download the two free designs below) or have your children create their own masterpiece for Dad. For the computer savvy—mom or kids alike—you can get fancy with creative fonts and graphics. For example, here are a few designs created with free online tools at Canva.com:
   
   
7. Plan a family movie night with dad.
   Choose one that he loves that is suitable for the whole family. Create an invitation or gift certificate by finding a graphic that features the movie’s billboard. Don’t forget the popcorn, soda, root beer floats, and/or his favorite candy! (Favorites for the dad in our family would include Apollo 13, The Incredibles, and any of the Star Trek movies. You can find more ideas in our Top Ten list of family movies.)

8. Create a candy bar bouquet.
   Forget the flowers – give Dad sweet treats! You can attach a note to each with a sappy saying:
   – Dad, you’re worth more than 100 Grand to us!
   – Dad, we can always count on you in a Crunch!

   Check Pinterest for examples of a candy bar bouquet.
   

9. Make a photo book.
   Include a pic of dad with his child/children for each year he has been a dad. It will bless him to see the family grow each year and go down memory lane with all the pics of his babies being added and growing.

10. Make your own Top Ten.
    You can title it: Top Ten Traits About Our Terrific Dad!

We pray you have a fabulous Father’s Day honoring the dads in your family. Do you have special traditions or favorite memories of ways to love on Dad? We want to hear them! Leave a comment to share … perhaps your great idea can inspire others!