Fran Dunn
- Jun 2, 2022
- 3 min read

For our Fathers

The role of the father is different than the role of the mother and though these roles are interwoven and evolving, I have always found it so fascinating to observe how families function and roles we play within our families. Who's the problem solver, who's the disciplinarian, who's the nurturer. Thankfully, our society is evolving, waking up, stretching and brushing the dust off. These roles even shift for an individual over our lifespan. We may start as a nurturer and need to step into disciplinarian mode.

My dad passed away in the Fall of 2019 and in the previous summer, I was able to have some really wonderful conversations with him about what he perceived his role to be in our family. He had come to realize he was the peacemaker, like his father before him. Dad had four daughters and three of us grew up in the same house so it was bedlam at times. Where's the shirt for the concert, can you drive me to volleyball practice, I need to go to the mall, were all peppered into Dad's day at a mile a minute times three.

Dad found a way to remain calm, to organize the house of all its bits and bobs, and to inject his dry humor. I never heard my father raise his voice though I knew at times that the pressure of his role in the family weighed on him. I am so appreciative of his calm, thoughtful presence and though he is no longer with me on the earth, I know his legacy of peace and love still flows through me into the world. This gives me great comfort and great pride and so I write this to all the fathers, however you embrace this role.

Fran

Stress–Relieving Oils:

Dad can have a lot of stress due to the many pressures that come with providing for and taking care of his family. Essential oils can be very beneficial for relieving stress. Oils that may help with stress are lavender, lemon, bergamot, grapefruit, geranium, cedarwood, sandalwood, rosemary, Roman chamomile, or frankincense.

Energy–Boosting Oils: After a long day at work, dad may need some energy-boosting oils so he can play with the kids and spend some “Daddy Time” with them. The following oils to help with boosting energy levels: white fir, peppermint, lemon, basil, thyme, rosemary, orange, lemongrass, or eucalyptus.

Oils for Soothing Headaches:

With all the work dads do, headaches are probably a common occurrence. If so, try giving dad peppermint, rosemary, eucalyptus, frankincense, patchouli, basil, marjoram, lavender, clove, eucalyptus, or a blend such as the Tension Blend or Soothing Blend to relieve his headache.

Oils for Relaxing:

Above all, even dads need time to relax. Maybe dad enjoys soaking in the bathtub, or maybe he just needs some time to lay on the grass and take a nap. Whatever he does to relax, essential oils can always enhance the experience. Oils that may help with relaxation: lavender, ylang ylang, lemon, Massage Blend, Roman chamomile, geranium, frankincense, sandalwood, and clary sage. If adding the oils to a bath, mix them first with some bath gel or Epsom salts so they can disperse more easily throughout the bathwater.