Father’s Day can be especially difficult for children and young people who have lost their dad or another special male role model in their life. From adverts to social media posts, it can be difficult to avoid Father’s Day and this can be a constant reminder that your dad is no longer here.
However you feel and whatever you want to do on Father’s Day, there is no right or wrong but it can be a day to remember your dad. From listening his favourite music to writing him a letter, here are 10 ways grieving families can remember dad on Father’s Day.
- Make a special Father’s Day card for your dad, you could put it on his grave or where his ashes were scattered or in a memory box
- Plant some bulbs or a shrub in a place that holds special memories of your dad – what was his favourite colour?
- Listen to his favourite music – (however awful his taste was!)
- Have his favourite meal – Pizza? Roast dinner? Curry?
- Put something in a memory box or other special place in which to keep things that remind you of him – photos, shells etc.
- Share a memory of your dad on our special online dedication page or set up an online tribute page where you and others can share memories of your dad
- Ask your dad’s friends and family for their memories of him when he was younger
- Blow some bubbles and imagine they can carry a message to them
- Create a digital memory board of special photos or post a photo of them on social media
- Write him a letter or a poem or a song. Maybe you could start with something like ‘If you came back for just 5 minutes, I’d tell you….’
Where to get support
If you are a young person or are supporting a bereaved child or young person who is struggling with their grief, please call us on 08088 020 021 (8am-8pm, weekdays), email ask@winstonswish.org or use our live chat (8am-8pm, weekdays). They will be able to offer guidance, information and support.
Our Winston’s Wish Crisis Messenger is also available 24/7 for urgent support. Text WW to 85258
Winston’s Wish is a charity. We rely on our army of supporters for 92% of our income so we can continue to provide free bereavement support for children and young people.
If you’d like to remember your dad and support Winston’s Wish at the same time, you can create a special online dedication here or make a donation in his memory here.
How young people cope with Father’s Day
Six young people, who all received support from Winston’s Wish after the death of their dad, share what they do on Father’s Day and their advice to others.
Activities for bereaved children
Activities to help grieving children and young people to explore and express their feelings and to help them maintain memories of the person who has died.