What Kids Really Notice About Their Dads

The Little Things Are the Big Things: What Kids Say About Their Dads

At Fathers.com, we’ve been collecting stories for years from essay contests where kids write about one simple theme:

“What My Father Means to Me.”

And every year, without fail, these essays melt our hearts—and remind us why being a dad is such a powerful calling.

Here’s what we’ve learned from reading hundreds of these reflections:

It’s not the big moments that make the biggest difference.
It’s the small, everyday gestures that stick.

What Kids Remember

Let’s start with Lindsey, a high school senior, who remembered something from when she was just five years old:

“Every day, my dad would wave goodbye to me through the sunroof of his car. Although he probably doesn’t even remember, that small gesture was the highlight of my day.”

Think about that: A simple wave through the sunroof.
A moment her dad forgot—but one she never did.

Gabe, a fourth grader, had this to say:

“My dad and I sometimes wrestle in the living room. I try to stop him, but he is an unstoppable beast… He leaps out of the pool acting like an enormous, ferocious, dangerous shark.”

He isn’t describing lectures or life lessons.
He’s describing laughter, play, and full-hearted presence.

And then there’s Hunter, a tenth grader, who recalled this:

“At the zoo, my dad paid for a big family behind us. Not because anyone was watching—but just because he knew it would be a nice thing to do.”

A quiet act of generosity—noticed, remembered, and now inspiring the next generation.

What’s the Message, Dad?

Don’t underestimate the power of what you do—especially the small things.

A wave. A laugh. A quiet sacrifice.
Your child sees more than you realize.
And while you may forget the moment, they might carry it for life.

These everyday interactions communicate your love, character, and values far louder than words.

So What Can You Do Today?

• Say goodbye with intentionality. Even if you’re just heading into your home office.
• Wrestle. Splash. Laugh. Kids need to play—and you’re their favorite opponent.
• Model quiet kindness. Acts of generosity speak volumes to young hearts.
• Ask for feedback. If you’re brave enough, ask your kids:

“What’s one thing I do that makes you feel loved?”
“What’s one way I could be a better dad?”

You might be surprised by how simple the answers are.

You're a Bigger Deal Than You Think

Too often, dads believe they have to be doing something “epic” to make an impact.

But Lindsey still remembers a wave.
Gabe still giggles over shark dives.
Hunter still draws wisdom from a generous moment.

The little things are the big things.

So don’t dismiss them. Embrace them. And keep stacking those moments—one sunroof wave, one playful splash, one bedtime whisper at a time.

You may not feel like a hero. But in their eyes, you already are.

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