Shopping For Father's Day Gifts? Think Pay Back Time And Spoil Dad With Food!

Father's Day! What Father's Day gifts to give dad this year? Last year in this blog I wrote about the stages of fatherhood and suggested suitable Father's Day gifts for each stage. This year I'll focus on the singly important gift of 'pay-back'!  Yes, a sign of the mature child, especially the child who now has children of her own, is the acknowledgment of the great debt which she owes to her father. Oh, I'm not referring to the considerable amount of money Dad has spent on me over the years, or all that parental worry he extended over this or that escapade of mine. No, today I'm recalling those end-games Dad unwittingly let me run around Mom.

Being the primary caretaker, as well as chief, cook, and bottle-washer, Mom knew the score on most of what my brother and I did when we were kids. Mom knew the tricks; she'd figured out the games; she ruled with consistency and firmness. But there was one play I could run that, at least temporarily, would get me to whatever goal I had set my sights on at the time. I''m sure you know it, and you've probably played it yourself. It's the oldest kid trick in the book: If Mom says no, go ask Dad. And if you even suspect Mom may say no, skip Mom and go directly to Dad.

But sometimes the wiles of moms are unfathomable. As a kid, it can be impossible to know in advance what mom will approve or disapprove of. So, if you're a kid and your mom says no to your going to a party, or if Mom refuses you the to-die-for material object intensely desired at the moment, - be it clothing, car or sweet treat,  promptly seek out Dad and ask him. "Oh, that never worked for me," my adult reader might argue. Well, I admit this tactic wasn't always easy or sure-fire. This game has to be played with cunning, strategy and finesse. But here I offer sound tips on how to win. Click on "Continue reading..." to learn the tips and to find winning food gifts to give Dad to show him your love on Father's Day.

Tip 1: If Mom says no, go IMMEDIATELY to Dad. Do NOT let time elapse during which time Mom has the chance to inform Dad about your request and her denial of it. If their conversation happens, you have lost. Dads are duty-bound to follow that parental rule about presenting a "united front" with Moms. Of course to follow tip #1 requires that you have already exercised the good sense and not asked Mom when Dad was currently in the room. Control your tongue until they are apart, at least separated by several rooms and out of earshot of each other in case Mom raises her voice in alarm at your request.

Tip 2: As a practical precaution, always wait to ask Mom until you know that Dad is busy doing something, such as working on complicated papers he brought home from the office, or he's watching the final moments of a sporting match in which the home team is tied with its hated rival. Dad's preoccupation will make him less likely to question you about details of your request. Ask him, and to appease you as quickly as possible, Dad will say 'Yes'.

Tip 3: As soon as Dad says 'Yes' discreetly slip out of the room, FAST. Do NOT jump up and down in joy; this will arouse his suspicion and may cause him to reconsider.

Tip 4: Secure desired object immediately. Remember, Mom is still around and if she gets wind of what's going on she may run inference. If the goal is attendance at a party later that night, disappear from the house until the party, - be sure to "forget" your cell phone at home so they can't track you.

Tip 5: Avoiding penalties on the play: Afterward, when Mom is scolding you, avoid penalty by insisting, "Dad said it was okay." Repeat this phrase as often as necessary until Mom re-directs anger toward Dad. Then run from the room.

Of course, now poor Dad is left to answer to fuming Mom. Dad is getting the lecture which should have been yours. Poor Dad.

Now fast-forward decades later, guilt and appreciation of Dad finally settle into your brain. It's time for some pay-back to Dad. And Father's Day is the perfect opportunity for delivering over-due pay-back. Wondering what to give Dad on Father's Day? I suggest you take up the old playbook again, and run that old end-game around Mom. Give Dad forbidden foods that Mom normally doesn't. It's likely that with you moved out of the house, Mom has re-directed her hawk-like attention to Dad's waistline and cholesterol. But on Father's Day Mom can't object too loudly if you give Dad pie, ice cream, ribs, and bacon. Everyone knows, rules can bend on Father's Day. And it's up to the grown children to bend them. Treat Dad with all the gourmet foods he loves and once ate too much of. He'll enjoy them, and Mom will remain silent. In fact, she'll likely be pleased by how much pleasure you have given your dad on Father's Day.

P.S. In the unlikely event you have any bacon leftover from your Father's Day brunch, use it in this delicious German potato salad recipe. Dad will love it with his bratwurst supper.

Comments

[oil paintings]

Thank you for another great article. Where else could anyone get that kind of information in such a perfect way of presentation.

[Amanda]

Yep, my dad is pretty easy-going. Doesn't sweat the small stuff...too much.

[Power Essence]

Lol! Very cunning tricks for getting out of trouble by passing the buck to dad! But I'm sure dad knows the score and is happy to go along for the ride as long as he gets his rewards in the end!

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[Power Essence]

Lol! Very cunning tricks for getting out of trouble by passing the buck to dad! But I'm sure dad knows the score and is happy to go along for the ride as long as he gets his rewards in the end!

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