Celebrating Fathers and Special Grown-Ups: Easy Activities for Child Care - post

Celebrating dads and other caring adults can be a big deal for young children. When kids get to say “thank you,” they feel loved, seen, and connected. Simple classroom projects can also strengthen trust with families and build a warm community in your program. 

In this article you’ll find easy crafts, inclusive event tips, ways to invite fathers and special grown-ups, and common mistakes to avoid so every child can celebrate someone special.

Why do celebrations for dads and special grown-ups matter?

Children learn best when they feel safe and supported. When your program honors caring adults, you help children:

• Practice kindness and gratitude

• Build social skills (sharing, taking turns, talking about feelings)

• Feel proud of the people who care for them

• See that all families are welcome and respected

Celebrations also help your program build strong family partnerships. If you want training on family engagement, these ChildCareEd courses connect well to this topic:

• Building a Community of Families

• Community and Family Engagement in Childcare

• Families, Communities, and Classrooms: Working Together for Children

What simple crafts and activities can we use to celebrate dads and special grown-ups?

These ideas work for many ages and do not need fancy supplies. Choose what fits your group’s skills and attention span (#activities).

Easy keepsakes

• Handprint or footprint art: Paint one hand or foot on paper. Add a short message like, “You help me grow!”

• Paper card with a child quote: Ask children, “What do you love doing with your special grown-up?” Write their words on the card.

• Decorated photo mat: Children color a frame shape on paper. Add a classroom photo or child drawing (photos should be optional).

Simple “gift” projects

• Coupon book (preschool and up): Pages can say “One big hug,” “Help set the table,” or “Read a book together.”

• Bookmark: Let children decorate cardstock. Add contact paper or laminate if allowed.

• Mini “toolbox” collage: Cut paper shapes (hammer, wrench, tape). Children glue them onto a “toolbox” page. Great for fine-motor skills.

Classroom connection activities

• Shared reading kit: Send home a short book list plus a child-made bookmark. Encourage a 10-minute reading time at home.

• “We appreciate you” wall: Children draw pictures of a caring adult. Display them with first names only (privacy-friendly).

• No-bake snack mix: Children scoop cereal/pretzels into bags and add a note. Offer allergy-safe choices and non-food options.

For a Father’s Day activity resource you can use right away, see:

• Father’s Day Activities

And for more Father’s Day craft ideas from ChildCareEd, you can also read:

• Celebrating Father's Day

How do we make celebrations inclusive for every family?

Some children live with one parent, grandparents, foster families, or other caregivers. Some children may not have a father in their life. Inclusive planning makes sure no child feels left out (#belonging).

Use flexible words
Try phrases like:

• “special grown-up”

• “caring adult”

• “family member or friend”

• “caregiver”

Instead of titles like “Daddy & Me,” consider:

• “Special Grown-Up Day”

• “Family Celebration”

• “Caring Adults Week”

Offer choices (so everyone can join)

• Make a craft at school to take home

• Send a take-home kit (paper, crayons, glue stick)

• Let families join a short drop-in time (morning or afternoon)

• Offer a video or voice message option (teacher records child saying one sentence)

Plan with families
A quick note or mini-survey can ask:

• What time works best (morning, lunch, evening)?

• Do you need translation or a bilingual note?

• Would you rather receive a take-home craft than attend in person?

For more ideas about inclusive family events, this ChildCareEd article is helpful:

• Creating Inclusive Events

How can we invite fathers and special grown-ups without pressure?

Many caregivers want to participate, but work schedules, transportation, or shyness can get in the way. Low-pressure invitations usually work best (#fathers).

Make it easy to say “yes”

• Keep the event short (20–40 minutes)

• Offer more than one option (drop-in, take-home, or “gallery walk” display)

• Tell them what to expect: “Come anytime between 8:00–9:00 to view art and read one book.”

Give small, comfortable roles
Some adults will join more if they have a clear job, like:

• Read one short book

• Help at a glue station

• Share a simple skill (how to fix a bike tire, how to pack a healthy snack, how to plant seeds)

Use warm, specific messages
Instead of “All dads must come,” try:

• “If you can join us, we’d love to see you!”

• “If you can’t attend, we will send your child’s project home.”

• “Your child is excited to share their work with a special grown-up.”

What common mistakes should we avoid, and how will we know it worked?

Even good events can feel uncomfortable if planning is not inclusive. Here are common pitfalls and easy fixes.

Common mistakes (and better choices)

• ❌ Only inviting dads
  ✅ Invite “dads and special grown-ups,” and include all caregivers.

• ❌ Requiring family photos or money
  ✅ Make photos optional. Use child drawings and classroom photos instead.

• ❌ Long programs with lots of sitting
  ✅ Use short stations (coloring, quick craft, book corner).

• ❌ Food that creates allergy or cost problems
  ✅ Keep snacks optional, label ingredients, and offer non-food activities.

Simple ways to measure success

• Participation: Did families attend, send a note back, or use take-home kits?

• Child response: Did children look proud and talk about their caring adult?

• Family feedback: Ask one question: “What did you like?” or “What should we do next time?”

• Staff reflection: What was easy? What felt stressful? What should change next year?

FAQ: What if a child has no father in their life?

Use “special grown-up” language and let the child choose any caring adult (grandparent, aunt/uncle, older sibling, family friend, foster parent). Offer private options so no one feels singled out. The goal is belonging—not a perfect match to the calendar holiday.