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African American father and son smiling at one another, flying a bright red kite in green field

As a kid, nothing feels better than that first day of summer vacation–no more teachers, homework, or curious cafeteria concoctions to deal with, plus more time with family, especially Dear Old Dad (if you’re lucky!). As embarrassing as he may have been when we were kids, we’re pretty sure he was way cooler than he appeared to be. In fact, we think dads are cooler than the first day of summer itself. Don’t believe us? Check out these 10 reasons we think dad is simply the best. (Warning! You may feel the need to steal some of these ideas for your Father’s Day card!)

#1 He’s a laidback kind of guy
The first day of summer can be pretty memorable (Fudgesicle anyone?), but the times that dad let you stay up late, eat dessert before dinner, and share your carrots with the dog (when mom wasn’t looking, of course) make dad the coolest catch, year-round.

#2 Dad gives the best airplane rides
Sure, you could hit up your local amusement park and ride a pricy roller coaster or two, but nothing beats the times that dad hoisted you in the air and buzzed you around like an airplane until you both fell to the ground, giddy with summer joy.

#3 Dad shows you how to enjoy the outdoors
Longer days mean more time to learn from dad! The summer weather may make it easier to play outdoors, but dad teaches you how to enjoy the outdoors. Whether he’s teaching you how to surf, score a soccer goal, field a jump shot, or build a tree fort, the long summer days wouldn’t be the same without dad’s adventurous spirit and expertise.

#4 He’s what you would call, “a man with a plan”
From pulling together everything you need for an epic camping trip to charting new plays for your little league football team, dad can easily be called “a man with the plan.” He even takes time to plan for (and help protect) your future by doing things like purchasing term life insurance, planning for your education fund, and (gasp!) pre-screening your prom date. Can’t say the same for the first day of summer, can you?

#5 Dad teaches you important life lessons
He taught you how to make scrambled eggs, change a flat tire, spit a record-setting distance, and clean your car battery with Coca-Cola. If dad were a book, he’d be an encyclopedia.

#6 He knows when you need to be rescued (and when you don’t)
Dad seems to have an uncanny sense for when you need him, like when your car engine randomly starts smoking on the way to the grocery store–he’s there. He also knows when to take the back seat, like when you put off your science fair project until the very last day. He may have pulled an all-nighter alongside you, but he made sure you did the work (and learned your lesson too).

#7 Dad’s lips are sealed
Whether you needed a shoulder to cry on when your summer romance ended, or a partner in crime for April Fool’s Day, dad’s the one who kept your secrets safe. He’s been a one-of-a-kind confidant from day one, no matter the season!

#8 He’s super resourceful
When you’re stuck inside on a rainy and muggy summer day, dad’s the one who helps you build a fort out of cardboard boxes, popsicle sticks, and packing tape. And when you’re “too cool” for sticking around the house, he’s the one who makes sure you get to the concert, mall, roller skating rink, or bowling alley safely (and in style–thanks for parking at the end of the block, dad!).

#9 He gives great life advice
He’s solution-oriented, all the time. When you have a problem, no matter how small, you can turn to your dad for helpful advice…except during your last trip to the beach when he had you convinced that you could dig your way to China.

#10 Dad protects his family
Dad does his best to take care of his family, even if it means working two jobs to help you pay for college or learning how to change the mini-van’s oil to help the family save money. He’s a planner, a protector, and a role model.

So, can we agree? Even though dad’s cooler than the first day of summer, you can still have fun celebrating both! Father’s Day is June 19 and the first day of summer is June 20. Revamp the family car and take dad on a scenic road trip or out to his favorite BBQ joint this June!

And if you’re looking for more ways to help plan for your family’s financial future, watch a video to see how Direct Auto Insurance helped a Dad named Joe take care of his family with term life insurance.

 

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