More Than a Day: Navigating Father's Day in Fostering Families

Father’s Day can mean many things to children in care – joy, grief, loyalty conflicts, or simply indifference. At Origins, we honour the father figure and the family as a whole, but most of all, we centre the child’s voice and their unique feelings on this day.

Father's Day. For many, it's a day of barbecues, handmade cards, and celebrating the men who have shaped our lives. But for children in care, it can be a day layered with complex emotions., Here in Origins we understand that Father’s Day isn’t a one-size-fits-all occasion. It means something different to every child – and every father figure. This day can honour birth dads, foster dads, grandads, uncles, older brothers, mentors, or simply the memory of a bond that once was or still is important. We want to take a moment to honour all fathers – birth fathers, foster fathers, adoptive dads, stepdads, and the many male role models who step into a fatherly role with love and consistency.

But most importantly, we centre this day around the children – because what matters most is how they feel, and what they need.

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A Day That Can Mean Many Things

For children in foster care, Father's Day can stir a range of emotions:

• Grief for a father who is absent, unknown, or has passed away.
• Confusion about who they should be celebrating.
• Loyalty conflicts – especially if they feel torn between their birth father and their foster father.
• Joy and gratitude for a positive male figure in their life today.
• Or perhaps indifference – because for some children, it's just another Sunday.

There is no “right” way to feel. What’s important is that we give children the space to express whatever comes up for them without pressure or expectation.

• Giving them a voice: The most loving thing we can do is give children the space and freedom to express their feelings without judgment. Instead of assuming, ask open-ended questions:
  • "Father's Day is coming up. Is there anyone special you'd like to think about or do something for?"
  • "How do you feel about Father's Day this year?"
  • "Would you like to make a card or draw a picture for anyone?"
  • "Would you prefer a quiet day, or would you like to do something special?"

Celebrating (or Not) With Sensitivity

• Creating New Traditions: For some children, Father's Day might be an opportunity to create new, positive traditions with their foster family, focusing on love, connection, and belonging, rather than solely on the traditional concept of "father." This could be a family outing, a special treat, or simply a day of relaxed togetherness.
• Permission to "Opt Out": Most importantly, offer permission to "opt out" of the traditional celebrations. Some children may benefit from a day that feels like any other, or perhaps a day dedicated to self-care, a favourite activity, or simply quiet reflection. Respecting their need for space is a powerful act of love.

Father’s Day can be a beautiful opportunity to reflect on love in all its forms. Whether through blood, bond, or brave consistency – fatherhood is about showing up. However you choose to spend this day, let it be with compassion, honesty, and care for the child’s heart. This year let’s honour every father figure, and most importantly, honour every child – just as they are, where they are.