Do Fathers Get More Collect Calls Than Mothers?
Surprise! More collect telephone calls are made on Fathers Day than on any other day of the year. Fathers Day was the brainchild of Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington. His father, Civil War veteran, William Smart, was a single parent that raised six children on his own after his wife died during childbirth. Listening to a passionate Mother’s Day sermon in 1909, Sonora felt that a day was needed to honor his father and other father’s like his. So, he settled on June 19th (his father’s birthday) and the world’s first official Fathers Day was celebrated on June 19th, 1910.
Though there was a lot of lobbying and many congressional resolutions to proclaim a national Fathers Day, the holiday wasn’t made official until 1972. President Richard Nixon signed a presidential resolution declaring Fathers Day to be the 3rd Sunday in June. According to Hallmark cards, Fathers Day is the year’s fourth-largest card-sending occasion, with over 110 million Fathers Day cards given to Dads every year, just in the United States alone.
While Mothers Day is the biggest ‘holiday’ for phone calls made, Fathers Day is the busiest for collect calls, but the day after Thanksgiving wins for most calls over all. Both Mothers and Fathers Day calls average eleven minutes in length. So, why is it that children tend to leave the male parent on the hook for their phone charges? Dr. Brenda Wall, a family psychologist in Dallas, Texas, says, “We have a different sociological response to our parents that is gender and role-related. We’ve always looked to mom for love and nurturing. But, when we look to fathers, it’s usually for a business transaction, or something that relates to power, positioning and/or money.”
So, the answer to whether it’s true or false that more collect calls are made on Fathers Day than any other day, is that it’s
TRUE.
10 Things to Do for Your Father on Father’s Day
1. Cook His Favorite Breakfast
Start the day by making your dad’s favorite breakfast. Whether it’s pancakes, eggs, or a smoothie, he’ll appreciate the effort.
2. Spend Quality Time Together
Plan some quality time with activities you both enjoy, like fishing, hiking, or watching a movie.
3. Give Him a Handwritten Card
Express your feelings and gratitude with a heartfelt, handwritten card. A personal touch means a lot more than a store-bought one.
4. Organize a Family BBQ
Gather the family for a BBQ. Grill his favorite meats and veggies and enjoy a fun day outdoors.
5. Tackle a Project Together
Work on a project that he’s been wanting to complete. Whether it’s fixing something around the house or building something new, he’ll appreciate your help.
6. Create a Photo Album
Put together a photo album or scrapbook filled with cherished memories. It’s a great way to reminisce about good times.
7. Give Him a Relaxing Day
Let your dad relax and unwind. This could be a day off from chores, a massage, or some quiet time to read his favorite book.
8. Plan a Surprise Outing
Surprise him with a day trip to a place he loves or has always wanted to visit. This could be a local park, a museum, or a new restaurant.
9. Watch a Sports Game Together
If your dad is a sports fan, watch a game together. It can be live at a stadium or from the comfort of your home.
10. Give a Thoughtful Gift
Choose a gift that shows you know him well. This could be a book he’s been wanting to read, a tool he needs for his hobbies, or a gadget he’s been eyeing.
More True Or False
Click here to also check out if it’s true or false popping pimples can cause death!
