The week the ads won’t stop.
Bereaved Fathers Day falls the Sunday before Father’s Day for a reason. Here are a few ideas from Dads who’ve been there.
Father’s Day in Australia is the first Sunday in September. The next is.
A few ideas
- Plan the day, loosely. A walk, a drive, a job in the shed. Not having a plan is when it ambushes you.
- Mute what you need to. Unsubscribe from the Father’s Day emails. Mute “Father’s Day” on social media for the week.
- Say who you are. If someone wishes you a happy Father’s Day, it’s okay to say, “Thanks. My little one [name] passed on last year.” Or say nothing at all.
- Do something for them. Visit their place, light a candle, cook the meal you would have cooked.
- Tell one person what the day is like for you, before it arrives.
If you’re here for someone else
Message him that morning, and say he’s a Dad. That’s most of it. More on how to help.
- Red NoseSupport when a baby or child has passed on, at any age. Open 24/7.1300 308 307
- LifelineCrisis support by phone, text or chat. Open 24/7.13 11 14
- MensLine AustraliaCounselling for men, including grief. Open 24/7.1300 78 99 78