some things are familial obligations. I had to go to church every Sunday and though I wasn't keen on the wake-up-get-dressed-sit-through-it and certainly wouldn't have chosen it, I am really really glad I went, I find comfort there now even though I'm not a practicing Catholic (which has more to do with not being comfortable with the priests at the local options).

On top of church things, there's lots of other things- cousin birthday parties where everyone is older / younger / not your type of person, get-togethers with your parents friends, etc. that kids need to just kind of put up with- it's part of being a family. After so many years, you get to make those choices for yourself, and one can hope the empathy / selflessness will have caught up by then.

That said, I'll agree with others here- if Dad has the option to opt out, you lose 1/2 the battle.