This Father’s Day, focus on fun for dads

Efforts began in 1909 to recognize Father’s Day as a holiday, when Sonora Smart Dodd first proposed Father’s Day after seeing her own father raise his six children alone. President Richard Nixon finally signed Father’s Day into law in 1972.

Today, the third Sunday in June remains the perfect time to thank and celebrate fathers — so let’s make sure to do something special for them.

No better time for a backyard BBQ

How about taking over the outdoor cooking? If you can get dad to give up the apron and tongs for one afternoon, this is the day. Escort him to the nearest lounge chair and treat him to an outdoor extravaganza of food, drink and his favorite music. (Bonus points if you surprise him with a playlist of songs from his teen years!)

Lennar’s backyards are all-American in variety and function, and many of our floorplans prominently feature a covered lanai that brings indoor living space outside. We make sure to give our customers a homestead worthy of every holiday and special gathering around the year. Since we’re talking food, this is a good time to mention the stainless steel fridge, stove and other appliances in our signature Everything’s Included® package — just to get the party started right.

Celebrate his hobbies

Depending on what generation he’s from, your dad probably has a somewhat “vintage” idea of a good time. Before the age of 24/7 internet access, men engaged in real-life activities like golf, camping, fly fishing, motorcycle trips and following rock bands on tour. (This is why dad is so annoyed by “reality” TV.)

Chances are, dad already owns 95% of the accessories he will ever need for his chosen hobby — whether it’s an immaculate set of golf clubs, a vintage guitar or a well-maintained sports car. But don’t despair. In a spacious Lennar home, there’s plenty of room for more accessories.

Consider buying (or hand-crafting) dad a plaque or sign commemorating his favorite pastime. Be creative, and don’t be afraid to go the humorous route. Even if he has more enthusiasm than actual skill, he will appreciate the thought — and proudly display his “#1 GOLFER” or “BEST DAD GUITARIST EVER” sign.

Make memories into memorabilia

Honoring Dad for all he’s done is easy, but you might consider creating a more lasting version of your “thank you” message. For instance — if your dad taught you to play baseball and you ended up being a star player, give credit where credit is due.

Discreetly dig through old family photos and find some key moments in your evolution from playing catch to playing as catcher. Write or print out a personalized message like “thank you, dad, for helping me become who I am today.” Arrange your items on a suitable colored background (think scrapbooking style) and fasten them inside of a picture frame for a personalized trophy he’ll be sure to cherish.

The right space does wonders for remote work

One thing we always appreciate about dads is their ability to dig in. Sometimes, that means sacrificing family time for work. The older we get, the more we realize how many times dad put in extra hours for us — or cancelled plans in his free time to take care of work.

Lennar floorplans are designed to aid in this exact situation. With all the extra space we provide in the form of lofts, flex rooms, dens and studies, it’s so much easier to set up a self-contained remote office where dad can work and concentrate. It beats trying to focus on work in the middle of a busy kitchen or dining room!

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads (and dads-to-be) out there! Enjoy your day.

Anna Young