Every day is Father’s Day
from Anne Stone, Director, Washington Fatherhood Council
As Father’s Day approaches, we honor all the amazing dads in Washington state — those who see their kids regularly and especially those who are working hard to be in their children’s lives.
A father’s positive influence and impact on his children extends beyond a single day of celebration, and the love of a child is healing for a dad who has suffered pain on their journey to parenthood. While Father’s Day is a specific date to honor fathers, the values of fathers — love, guidance, patience and support — are present in a father’s daily actions.
In the 2024 Washington Fatherhood Council State of Fathers Study, we asked dads, “What are your strengths?” The picture they painted with their words reflected the values listed above. Sadly, they also shared feeling unwelcome in our communities and that they were often going it alone.
So this Father’s Day, think about what we all can do to appreciate the dads in our midst and let them know how important they are in the lives of their children, family and community.
BONUS: Did you know? The nation’s first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Spokane! However, it was not until 1972–58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official — that the day honoring fathers became a national holiday in the United States.
