“Wider Than an Airplane’s Wings”: One Dad’s Creative Way to Say ‘I Love You’

Tom didn’t do anything fancy.

No chore chart. No special trip. No Pinterest-worthy craft.

He just lay next to his five-year-old daughter and started speaking love in a way only a dad could.

“Do you know that I love you wider than an airplane’s wings?”
“Do you know that I love you more than Mama Kangaroo loves the little baby in her pouch?”
“Do you know that I love you more times than all the leaves on all the trees in our yard?”

Later, she looked at him, smiled wide, and said:
“Dad, I love when you tell me those things.”

Say It in a Way They’ll Never Forget

Dads, that’s what love sounds like in a child’s world.
Big, imaginative, almost silly—but deeply felt.

Tom’s story reminds us that it doesn’t take a grand gesture to connect with our kids. It just takes being present, getting creative, and letting what’s already in our hearts make it to our lips.

That might mean:

• A spontaneous story with your child as the hero.
• A bedtime ritual where you list what you love about them.
• A whispered reminder before school: “You’re my favorite eight-year-old in the universe.”

These moments stick.
They build a foundation of connection your child can stand on, especially when life gets hard.

But Let’s Be Honest—It’s Not Always Easy

Sometimes we dads feel clumsy trying to express love. It might sound cheesy or feel awkward, especially if we didn’t grow up hearing those kinds of things ourselves.

But here’s the truth: your kids aren’t evaluating your delivery.
They’re soaking in your presence and your words.

So risk a little awkward.
Risk the silly metaphor.
Risk saying “I love you” in a new way.
Because what seems small to you might be life-giving to them.

Takeaway Truth:

Your kids crave your words. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—make it. Speak from your heart in a way they’ll understand, and watch the connection grow.

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