Editorial: Delight being a dad

This Sunday is Father's Day. Photo / Thinkstock

For the last 17 years I've been part of an exclusive club and on the the first Sunday of September the members of this club are recognised usually in the form of breakfast in bed or a new pair of socks to go with the umpteen pairs in the dresser drawer.

Yes that's right, this Sunday is Father's Day - a day when dads get spoilt by their children. The day began in the United States around 1910 to complement Mother's Day, which was created by Anna Jarvis.

Although several people independently thought of Father's Day, the modern holiday is credited to American Sonora Dodd.

It is understood she started the day to honour her father, a Civil War veteran who raised his six children as a single parent.

Like Mother's Day, Father's Day has become a bit of a day for the retail industry with DIY stores and cafes cashing in on the event.

To be honest, I'm not overly fussed on the day. Sure it's nice to get a present and a card saying I'm a good dad but as the kids get older the day of getting clay sculptures or paintings which I always enjoyed, have gone by the wayside.

Now, it's usually something they have saved up for with their allowance.

As a huge Bruce Springsteen fan, I'm thinking the kids' allowance wouldn't have been enough for a ticket to his concert so I'll probably have to settle for some socks and a card.

But for those children who may have left the present buying to the last minute, there is an article in today's Rotorua Daily Post that may give you a couple of ideas to help you out.