7 September 2025

Enjoy Father's Day this year - because we may not have it for much longer

| By James Coleman
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Man tobogganing with daughter at the snow

It’s not always smiles, but it’s always worth it. Photo: Ruth Coleman.

“Yuma families,” the email begins.

“In lieu of Father’s Day, we would love to have a Family Day. We know that family dynamics are diverse and we would love to celebrate all the wonderful people in your children’s lives.”

This was sent to families at a preschool in Queanbeyan, NSW, ahead of today. And other government-funded preschools across the state are following suit, for both Mother’s and Father’s Day.

And it’s a terrible idea.

Family Day email

The email sent to parents of a Queanbeyan preschool about a proposed ‘Family Day’. Photo: Screenshot.

I’m a father. My wife and I have two kids, aged four and two, with a third on the way. And they are often noisy, and gross, and just frankly annoying, but we love them to the moon and back.

I’m not in any way casting aspersions on those who – for reasons outside their control – can’t have them, but having a child is among the most fulfilling things a human can do. It teaches you things about human nature, about yourself. It taps into a part of your heart you didn’t know you had. It matures you.

Then there’s the fact that nothing invests you in the future of a country like having in your care the next generation that is going to form it.

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So I’m not whinging about the putting down of Father’s Day for mercenary reasons, like missing out on breakfast in bed.

But because we discredit the role of fathers – or ‘male role models in the household’ – at society’s peril.

In a way, it’s not a surprise that it’s happening. I think three things are going on here.

Dad reading book to children

Yep, it’s Frozen again. Photo: Ruth Coleman.

One stems from a society that, for decades, has cast the ‘patriarchy’ as the source of all ills. This naturally throws the traditional dad out with the bathwater.

Take pop culture, for example, which is always at the pointy edge of cultural change. Chicken Run, Family Guy, Rick and Morty, even the latest Incredibles movie – and I’m sure you can find other examples if you think about the characters hard enough – the husband, or dad, is always a bumbling idiot.

At the same time as this pushdown, we’ve decided we must also lift up others – like the two mums, or the two dads, or the ‘guardians’. Somehow, it’s okay for these to have their own celebratory day – or even month – of the year, but not fathers?

This brings us to the third reason, because we can’t possibly risk causing even the slightest offence.

As the preschool email implies, how will others with more “diverse” family dynamics cope? And by ‘offence’, we of course blow it up to mean hate, discrimination, bigotry. Hit a conversation on the head with one of those bad boys, and it’s case closed before it’s even opened.

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Yet, the overwhelming positive impact of having a dad in your life is well-documented.

Various studies from the US, the UK, and Australia over the years have consistently linked paternal absence with higher crime rates. And here in Canberra, why else does an organisation like Menslink exist, other than to provide positive male role models in the lives of young men who lack them?

A society is only as good as its parts, and the nuclear family – made up of a mum, a dad and kids – is an integral, crucial part.

We fathers make mistakes and stumble at times in setting a good example and being there for our kids. But the role is still definitely worth celebrating this Sunday.

So, happy Father’s Day.

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I wonder what my father would make of it. We had great times together I’m one of 7, and the baby of the family,
My father passed away when I was only 14, and I missed him so much, his wisdom and warmth, the sound of his laughter, yes, I still miss him,
I’m a father of 4 children, and I love Father’s Day, my day to sit back and enjoy a steak or two with a few drinks go for a walk with the kids, watch the footy or car racing, without too many interruptions,
I can’t believe they would try and change Father’s Day or even to rename it
Thank you, James Coleman, I hope you had a great day.
Yes, I love to Celebrate Father’s Day,

Carmel Simpson7:43 am 10 Sep 25

Inclusion Doesn’t Erase Fatherhood — It Strengthens It

Celebrating families in all their beautiful and diverse forms isn’t about erasing Father’s Day — it’s about making sure every child feels seen and supported, no matter their family structure.

For some children, Father’s Day can be a painful reminder — of loss, violence, absence, or simply a different kind of home. Offering a “Family Day” at a preschool isn’t an attack on fatherhood; it’s an act of care for those kids. It says, “You belong too.”

Inclusion doesn’t diminish the role of fathers. It expands the circle of celebration. It says: Yes, let’s honour dads — and also the grandparents, mums, foster carers, uncles, aunties, and guardians who show up every day for kids. That’s not a threat to fatherhood. That’s a reflection of the real world.

No one’s cancelling Father’s Day. One preschool adapting its language to be more inclusive isn’t a cultural crisis — it’s a response to the needs of its community. If anything, we should applaud that sensitivity.

And let’s not forget: inclusion helps fathers, too. When we challenge outdated stereotypes — like the “bumbling dad” trope in media — we make space for men to be seen as capable, nurturing, and essential caregivers. That’s a win for everyone.

You’re absolutely right that good dads deserve recognition. But we don’t protect that recognition by excluding others. We protect it by making our celebrations broader, kinder, and more relevant to the lives of all families today.

Fatherhood and inclusion aren’t at odds. They’re on the same team.

Richard Mcquinlan4:40 pm 10 Sep 25

I’d agree with your summary but if this is genuinely about inclusion, it begs the question of whether this childcare centre will apply the same approach to Mother’s day when this comes around. There are plenty of single Dad’s (including widowers) and I’m sure Mother’s day could be a painful reminder of loss, violence, absence or a different kind of home for those children too. I’d be interested to see if this centre does this for Mother’s day (and if not, what their reasons are), hopefully they apply consistency here.

Carmel Simpson9:29 pm 10 Sep 25

Of course this school would do the same for Mother’s Day — lots of schools already do- that’s what inclusion is. It recognises that families come in all forms, and that days like these can be complicated for many kids, not just on Father’s Day.

But let’s be real: these “what about equality?” arguments only ever seem to surface when men feel slightly inconvenienced. No one’s out here demanding proof of consistency when Mother’s Day is quietly adapted in the same way — yet the moment Father’s Day shifts to include more children, it’s treated like some kind of ideological attack.

It’s not an attack on dads — it’s basic compassion. Inclusion isn’t erasure. And if peoples support for equality only kicks in when they feel personally impacted, then it was never about equality to begin with.

Sharon Braithwaite7:28 pm 09 Sep 25

I get it, truly get what you are saying and honour your comments, for you, as a father, and a human being in this crazy world we live in , where the goal posts keep bloody changing. The post you are talking about was welcoming comments, take a breath, I don’t think it was personal and I feel you may have something good to share, Fathers Day is not going to go away anytime soon, there will always be a place for nuclear families, blended families, single parent families and many many other family dynamics. Give yourself credit for sparking this conversation, you got people talking which is good, i didn’t agree with everything you said, which is also good, it invites comment.. .

Thank you James for pointing out a good reason for retaining Fathers Day. The current brand of feminism/secular philosphy blames ‘the patriarchy’ for all society’s ills, yet, as you say, there is much research which shows the positive effect on a family of having a present and involved father. Regardless of what people think or feel, men and women are, at a celluar level, different so mothers and fathers parent differently and only male+female=baby at a biological level. We celebrate good mothers and good fathers for what they do. Having ‘Family Day’ will not solve anything as there are those who have horrible family experiences. For those who have not had good parents, hopefully there are aunts, uncles, neighbours and church family who can step in to the breach and be that missing parental figure. People just need to stop being offended by everything and eg. assuming that everything male is toxic. You are pushing young men into a corner, they do not know what being men means any more and this is what does not bode well for the family unit.

Bennett Bennett4:27 pm 09 Sep 25

Peak wokeness right there. Get rid of father’s day, get rid of Christmas, get rid of Australia day, perhaps even get rid of mothers day. Probably in that order. All because these things are not inclusive and therefore offensive, right? Family day sounds so agnostic it’s not funny. When will family day be deemed offensive to animals whereby family day is canned in favour of animal day? Where are people getting these ideas?

Lauren Clement7:24 am 10 Sep 25

Get over yourself. Heartbreakingly, not every father deserves to be celebrated. There are too many children who have witnessed their mother being beaten senseless by their father, or worse. These are PRESCHOOLERS, in one single school, not a government policy.

That is an interesting argument Lauren. We celebrate NAIDOC week yet heartbreakingly not every element of traditional indigenous culture should be celebrated. It contained forced marriage, abhorrent genital mutilation and often very unpleasant concepts of crime and justice.

So if the actions of some scumbags should be used to justify not celebrating Father’s Day, then surely NAIDOC week should be removed too!

My children’s dad almost killed me in front of them, when they were 2 and 3 years old.

“Father’s Day” is, to them, an ongoing reminder of his violence and the near loss of their mum.

I like a more inclusive way of acknowledging all people who have a positive role in children’s lives, as the daycare intended. Maybe, the daycare has a child from a similar situation, and they are being sensitive to that? If so, bravo!

My children’s resilience does not need to be tested every year, with a standardised norm about families and dads emblazoned everywhere, including at their schools and daycares.

The suggestion came from a single daycare. Not a national initiative!

Maybe we should though, really, just have a Caregivers Day, rather than our current ones? That’s a great idea, and would be far more inclusive of children’s diverse home environments.

Just because a person fathered a child, does not make him a good one, nor one who should be celebrated on a yearly basis.

Let me say upfront that what happened to you, in the presence of your young children, was something that is inexcusable.

That in itself does not mean that your children can not have meaningful male role models in their life. There is also the possibility that at some stage on your life, you yourself may enter into a new meaningful relationship, and that the step-dad fulfils the Father’s role.

There will always be some that experience pain on Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Australia Day, Anzac Day and other significant days. I am sorry that Father’s Day is a day you can’t celebrate.

I lost my dad over 20 years ago. There are things that I did and said, that I wish I could take back. Although things weren’t perfect, I accept my part in that. He was my dad, and I wish he was still with us.

I can’t change your circumstances or your hurt, but I do wish you and your children, all the best.

Lauren Clement7:19 am 10 Sep 25

I completely understand, and I hear you. Not every family has a dad in their lives. Father’s Day does not mean the same thing to everyone. 💕💕💕 Take care.

Chicken Run and Family Guy as sources is impressive journalism.

Why choose to take offence at an innocuous name change that very specifically and clearly outlines a desire or objective to be MORE inclusive, not less.

The literacy level of the author here should be called into question given he has clearly misinterpreted (deliberate or otherwise) a completely harmless and inoffensive change.

Just because its inoffensive to you, doesn’t mean it isn’t for rest of the Australian Fathers. Get rid of Mothers day then too.

Richard Mcquinlan4:42 pm 10 Sep 25

Will this inclusiveness be applied to Mother’s day?

Thank you James for highlighting the positive, important role of ‘Father’ in a family. Unfortunately, the celebration of anything these days is often hijacked for either commercial or political reasons. There are many quiet, hardworking, engaged fathers out there who receive little public recognition for their sacrifices and choices. It’s wonderful for families to celebrate these men. I believe that generalising celebrations for the sake of inclusivity can take the heart right out of it and leave it completely meaningless. What a different world it would be if we actually encouraged men in their role as fathers!

Lovey Alford9:50 am 09 Sep 25

Equal opportunity. Get rid of Mother’s Day first.

A couple of years ago my workmates were having lunch together and one workmate who was from India said “I’ve noticed Westerners put more emphasize on Mother’s Day than Father’s day” to which i respond with “that’s because all men are bastards.” The ladies nodded in agreement. When you hear “all men are bastards” go unchallenged, followed by the stats and data of males dominating the rate of violent crime, it’s hardly surprising Father figures and Father’s Day is going to be viewed under some negative scrutiny.

All men? bustard? Wow, just wow. How sad some people’s lives must be.

What this article demonstrates is that some parts of society such as commercial and retail businesses and schools think they have an obligation to tell us live our lives and acknowledge life events. This is not the case and these entities need to back off. Not everything that has occurred in the past is wrong.

What the comments on this article demonstrate is that some commentators think they are opened minded, however they fall into the trap of thinking they know everything and have the right to tell everyone else how to live their lives and do not do a very good job as disgusing their disdain for anyone who dare think differently. Again this is not the case and they need to keep their opinions to themselves.

Aside from laws to keep a degree of order and safety in society, we don’t need anyone to tell us how to think or act.

Basic, high quality human interactions such as family relationships and friendships are built of support, respect and love. Not telling each other how to think, feel or act.

Incidental Tourist10:09 pm 07 Sep 25

It’s not about family day as such because it can be added to the calendar. This is a narrative to remove the father’s day.

True. Males in society today have become vilified. It’s so bad that even I catch myself thinking that way.

It seams we live in a world with a view that all males (fathers)are ****….. and all females (mothers) are angles, nothing could be further from the truth.

100%. Males are automatically toxic these days in exactly the same way that Christians are considered bigoted for their beliefs while Muslims with those same beliefs are accommodated. Young men these days don’t even know whether to hold the door open or not (as a sign of respect and consideration) because they might get criticised for being patronising. They are sick of being blamed for stuff they never did.

Jyden Carmody9:37 pm 07 Sep 25

Good onya mate for standing up for the fathers out there. This is the first news article I’ve read that I agree with in a long time. 👍👍 Happy father’s day

davidmaywald7:19 pm 07 Sep 25

Great article James and Region. We must celebrate mothers and fathers much more. No rolling back of Father’s Day nor Mother’s Day. They are two of the best days of the year.

Yeah I read this but really couldn’t be bothered getting my head around it! What a self-indulgent little effort! Imagine being in charge of a daycare facility and having to deal with parents like this moralising over other families and getting irate at a letter sent out in good faith because it doesn’t suit their moral or religious values!
Father’s Day is just another marketing ploy. All families no matter what their make-up are different, and none are more important than the other. So those, including this article’s author, stop trying to cause conflict by looking for something to get angry about and chill out!
Happy Family Day to all you families out there no matter what your makeup!

100% agree. No one is saying not to celebrate Fathers Day on Fathers Day, they aren’t trying to get rid of it. The kindy is saying they are celebrating a special family day, not even on Fathers day mind you.

He has also chosen some silly examples. The dad in Chicken Run is loveable and expresses love for his child. The dad in The Incredibles defends his family and supports his wife when their dynamics change. Family Guy? Really? He dug to the bottom of the barrel for that one.

Agree

Agreed

David Watson4:07 pm 07 Sep 25

The title of this article has a sense of inevitability in it. The idea is nothing more than lefty floating another woke idea to add to all the others. Just leave Father’s and Mother’s Day as they are.

Now the cultural Marxists are coming for the dads…. Today’s education system is a Marxist indoctrination system on steroids.

Sick woke people. Sick woke country. Whatever the woke minority doesn’t agree with must be destroyed or replaced. Denying biology, promoting abnormality and indoctrinating children with all kind of nonsense at schools explain why BRIC is on the ascendancy and the West is in rapid decline.

I am a father. I got a call this morning from my son. That was the best present

That is very true. I had lunch with my daughter – I don’t see her anywhere near enough so that was my best present.

Next they’ll want to do away with Easter and Christmas. Give me a break. This is Australia. Leave this stuff as is please. There are more important fights to have in this country, like getting rid of anyone who displays terrorist flags inn this country.

Mark Hawthorne4:00 pm 07 Sep 25

Seriously? This is a burning matter? Zion rot.

Agreed 👍💯

I think all those people who want to change the status quo need to get a life. We already celebrate and honour Mothers and it is appropriate to honour and celebrate Fathers.

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