Celebrating Father’s Day When Your Pilot is Away
Since countries all like to celebrate Father's Day at a different time of year, here's a little something for those of you who celebrate in September.
What does Father's Day look like when you're married to a pilot? You're probably going to have to try and figure out a way to help your kids celebrate Dad while he's on the other side of the country - or in another country altogether.
Don't worry, we've been there and done that before so we have a few little hints to help you still make it a special day even if Dad can't be home for the day.
Of course you don't always have to celebrate events on the day they actually fall. Let's face it, if you're married to a pilot, you probably rarely celebrate events when most people do. So assuming you have already planned to celebrate on another day but still want to make Fathers' Day special, here are a few things you may want to try.
Make Time to FaceTime Your Pilot on Father's Day
Sure this seems obvious but with time differences, active children and busy schedules it can be hard to find time to FaceTime. On a day like today though, have a look at your pilot's schedule and see when you may be able to make time to sit down with the kids and make a special call to tell him how much you all love him and appreciate him.
Hide Something Special for Him
With a little bit of planning ahead, you can have the kids create something special and hide it in his luggage or flight bag to find while he's on his trip. It's easy to underestimate the importance these little gestures can make when your partner is away from home. Include some little love notes or a card with some words about how grateful you are for him.
Pinterest have lots of crafty ideas or you can recreate this cute little aeroplane.
Team Up with His Hotel
I don't know if you've ever tried to organise a delivery for your pilot when he's on an overnight but I have and it was a dismal failure. I'd arranged a birthday hamper and balloon. The weather had other plans and kept him in a completely different city to where the hamper was being delivered.
To overcome that issue, wait until you know where he's definitely staying for the night. Call or email the hotel and ask if they can arrange to deliver him a special meal with a little message from you and the kids.
Most hotels will be more than happy to help you spoil him.
Look For an Opportunity to Surprise Him
While meeting him for an overnight may not be the best option (especially if he has an early start and you have the kids with you). Is there another way you can surprise him on Fathers' Day?
Last year our pilot was flying through our hometown. We headed down to the airport with his favourite chocolates and even though it was a quick turnaround, the gate staff radioed him to come to the gate. We showered him with hugs and chocolates and sent him on his way.
Is he flying through somewhere that you have friends or family? Can you arrange for them to meet him at the airport with something special and a hug from you?
Don't Underestimate a Simple Text Message
If it's too tricky to try and coordinate one or more of the above (or you only just realised it was Father's Day when everyone else started posting about it on Facebook), don't underestimate the power of words. A simple text message with some heartfelt words from you or the kids will go a long way until he's home again and you can celebrate with him. If your kids are still quite young, turn on the emoji keyboard and let them pick a range of their favourite emojis to send him.
You'll see none of these are particularly extravagant or expensive. It's just about looking for a creative way you and the kids can still celebrate your pilot on Father's Day until he can be home with you again.
Share Your Tips With Others
We'd love you to let us know if you try one of these ideas and how it goes. Even better share your suggestions to help celebrate Fathers' Day even if your pilot is away.
Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there.
