We might assume that Dad wants to man the grill on Father’s Day and spend the entire afternoon engaged in “fun” activities chosen by the kids — the Slip ‘n Slide comes to mind.  Really, though, Dad just wants to hang out and relax in the midst of a little peace and quiet.  I know, that doesn’t sound very “Dad-like,” but when pressed, most Dads would choose peace and quiet for their once-a-year special day.

Here comes another surprise… give a dad the choice between relaxing on the couch or in a comfortable rocking chair, and I’ll bet you dollars to doughnuts he’ll pick the rocker.  Why?  Rocking in a rocking chair is one of the most soothing activities around.  It’s free (which is important to dads), it doesn’t take a lot of energy to keep it going, and it puts Dad on the fast track to relaxation-ville.

Plop that rocking chair outside on the porch, and Dad has the best view around — at least while he’s still awake.  Watching nature is another one of life’s cheap sources of relaxing entertainment, which Dad can appreciate.  There’s drama (dog chases squirrel); there’s comedy (bird poops on neighbor’s car); there’s mystery (what is that rustling in the grass?).  Before he knows it, Dad is fast asleep and dreaming of rocking gently in a boat on his favorite lake.

So, when it comes time to ask Dad what he wants to do on Father’s Day, don’t mention the Slip ‘n Slide or volunteer him to cook up dinner on the grill.  Instead, offer him the luxury of peace and quiet and a couple of hours on the porch in the rocking chair.  He’ll feel truly appreciated and utterly refreshed.  Happy Father’s Day, Dads!