Dads, on the whole, are pretty special people.

If I may make a sweeping generalisation, most dads were once men who went out to work, enjoyed a few pints down the pub, took the other half out to dinner from time to time, watched way too much sport on TV and overall led a peaceful and relatively stress free life.

Most dads accepted that fatherhood was the next stage and wholeheartedly embraced the idea. And then these dads suddenly discovered that the smallest of human beings can turn their life upside down entirely. And as those tiny beings grow, the dads resort to something they swore they would never do…. the 'dadism'.

In a child’s early years, they start off pretty tame – 'Don't ask me, ask your mother'. 'A bit of dirt never hurt anyone'. 'Don’t make me stop this car!'

Children always manage to come up with friends who are allowed to do/have everything. This is where the dadism really comes into its own – 'If Johnny jumped off a bridge would you?' 'I don’t care what Sally is doing; I’m not her father'. And the one we really promised ourselves we’d never use – 'I'll tell you why. Because I said so. That's why'.

Teaching children right from wrong, good manners and the reality of life can be summed up in dadisms that have truly stood the test of time – 'Get your elbows off the table'. 'Two wrongs do not make a right'. 'Who said life was supposed to be fair?'

And arguing with teenagers inevitably requires the truly classic dadisms to come into their own:

'As long as you live under my roof, you'll live by my rules!'
'What part of NO don't you understand?'
'Am I talking to a brick wall?'
'What do you think I am, a bank?'
You want something to do? I'll give you something to do
'You treat this place like a hotel!'

And of course...

'You're not leaving my house dressed like that!'

I think few dads entering parenthood have any idea what’s in store, and pretty much all of them have sworn to never resort to the dadisms they were subjected to in their youth. But the truth is there’s no escaping them, because the truest of them all is – 'When you have children of your own you’ll understand!'

Whether or not your dad has turned into his dad, he deserves recognition for putting up with you all these years, and Father's Day is obviously the time to do it.

Now you know me, I love a quote. And Father's Day brings several to mind, not least my daughter’s observation that “It’s just like Mother’s Day only you don’t spend so much.” Harsh, but quite possibly true.

To be fair, this is mostly because dads are notoriously difficult to buy for. But scout around thebestof Haverhill and you’ll be sure to find something more interesting than socks and hankies.

If golf is dad's thing, then Haverhill Golf Club is able to offer top quality golf equipment to improve his handicap. As a member of the Foremost Buying Group Haverhill Golf Club's pro shop able to offer the most competitive prices on a wide range of clothes and accessories from leading brand names.

Please click here for more information about Haverhill Golf Club. 

Something for traditional? Hanningtons Jewellers have an amazing selection of not just jewellery, but collectibles, ornaments, photo frames and much more. And you can also find a number of deals for thebestof Haverhill members on our offers page, so you can treat dad without breaking the bank.

For further information about Hanningtons Jewellers, simply click here.

Who says the pampering treatments are just for mum? arevolution’s award winning beauty salon in Haverhill offers gift vouchers in various denominations, which can be used in their unique Gentlemen's Club. Make your selections from a manicure, pedicure, facial, eyebrow tidy, back/chest wax and massage treatments. In discreet, luxurious surroundings, dad will emerge looking and feeling like a new man!

Click here to find out more about arevolution.

If you want to give dad memories to treasure this Father's Day, David Doughty @ The Gallery in Haverhill creates just that. His large photography studio in the centre of Haverhill is home to his artistic skills and is where you can also choose from a selection of unique gifts personalised with your favourite photographs.

Please click here for more information about David Doughty @ The Gallery.

Have a scout around our business services pages, check out our offers page, and in there you’re sure to find something to delight dad, so he doesn’t have to resort to that most dreaded of all dadisms… 'It’s JUST what I always wanted!'

“Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope.” — Bill Cosby