3 Ideas for Celebrating Birth Fathers on Father’s Day
“My father gave me my dreams. Thanks to him, I could see a future.” —Liza Minnelli
With Father’s Day being right around the corner, it is normal for adoptive families or adoptees to deal with emotional questions. Should you celebrate birth fathers on Father’s Day? If so, how? Adoptees can sometimes feel a pull between their adoptive and biological families when it comes to celebrating special occasions. They may struggle with celebrating both families equally, while still recognizing their differences.
At Adoption Choices of Arizona, we recognize those questions and the mixed emotions that come with them. A birth father is still a father. However, it is important not to become bogged down in the past. We encourage you to recognize where you came from, but never forget where you are now. Please utilize these three ideas as you celebrate birth fathers.
Ways to Celebrate Your Birth Father
- Discuss Your Adoption Story
The first idea is to discuss your family’s personal adoption story. It doesn’t matter how much you know about your adoption story, or what your relationship with your birth parents looks like. Take time with your family to acknowledge the sacrifices that birth parents, especially birth fathers, make when they place a child for adoption. You wouldn’t be where you are today if they hadn’t made that choice.
- Write a Letter to Your Birth Father
The second idea is to take some time on Father’s Day to write a letter to your birth father. When writing the letter, thank him for giving you the best future possible. Tell him of all the adventures and opportunities you have been able to experience because of his decision. Use the letter to remind him how much of an impact he has had on your life.
This letter doesn’t have to be sent, it can simply be stored somewhere so that you can read it in the future. However, if you do have a relationship with your birth father, consider sending the letter and including a recent picture.
- Include Him in Father’s Day Traditions
This third and final idea is for those who have a relationship with their birth father. If you have a relationship with your biological father, consider inviting him to join your family’s Father’s Day traditions. Use this time to draw both your adoptive family and biological family together. Acknowledge both of the men who have impacted your life, both from up close and afar. Recognize the sacrifices they have made and the unconditional love they have for you.
Celebrate a Birth Father on Father’s Day
Hopefully, these ideas will make celebrating a birth father on Father’s Day a little easier. Remember that both parties will love you no matter what. Focus on the present and enjoy the celebrations – don’t worry about the past or the future. If you celebrate your birth father, how do you recognize him? Let us know in the comments below! Happy Father’s Day from the staff at Adoption Choices of Arizona!
From Adoption Choices of Arizona
Are you a birth father considering adoption? At Adoption Choices of Arizona, we recognize that not all birth fathers are involved in the adoption process. Each and every birth father is unique. However, if you are a birth father choosing to place your baby for adoption, we are here to support you as you and your partner consider adoption.
For more adoption resources, visit Adoption Choices of Arizona or call or text us at 1-480-900-5520.
Meet the Author: Grace Myers is a sophomore Digital Media major at North Greenville University, excited to work with Adoption Choices over the next couple of months. As a firm believer that every individual has a story to tell, and a right to be properly represented, she loves meeting new people and learning their stories.
When she’s not writing, you can find her listening to music or cuddling with her dog, Sundae.
