A Surprising Approach to Father's Day: What Dads Truly Want

Father’s Day gifts often focus on objects, but happiness increases when people feel valued and loved. Gratitude supports emotional well-being and connection for both the giver and receiver. Expressing gratitude can improve immune function, lower blood pressure, increase positive emotions, and reduce loneliness and isolation. Gratitude also encourages generosity and compassion. Children can use Father’s Day to practice empathy and appreciation by thanking their fathers. Simple words like “thank you” can show love and appreciation, reinforcing stronger relationships across the whole family.

"Maybe not. Science has demonstrated that we are happiest when we feel valued and loved, something that makes sense given that, as social beings, we thrive in connection. Humans, male and female, have a core drive to love and be loved. This idea goes beyond the notion that money can't buy you love-rather, it's that money can't show love. What fathers really want on their dedicated day is to be shown love and appreciation. This special present requires we look no further than our hearts and our words."

"Gratitude is as good for us to give as it is good for Dad to receive, and it can be as simple as saying, "thank you." Gratitude works its magic in myriad ways we are only starting to understand. Here are a few ways that gratitude is particularly relevant to families and Father's Day."

"According to the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, expressing gratitude leads to a plethora of scientifically proven benefits, including "stronger immune systems and lower blood pressure; higher levels of positive emotions; more joy, optimism, and happiness; acting with more generosity and compassion; and feeling less lonely and isolated." The research is so appealing that UC Berkeley, in collaboration with UC Davis, is embarking on a $5.6 million, 3-year study to explore the effects of gratitude on a large scale."

"Saying thank you to Dad at any age is good for him to hear, and good for us to say. Gratitude reinfor... Father’s Day helps children practice empathy and appreciation. Thanking Dad can strengthen the whole family relationship."

Read at Psychology Today