Kids often write straight from the heart.

Here at NCF, there are few things we like more than talking about great dads. We also know there’s nothing quite like hearing it from a child. So, this Father’s Day week, here’s another tribute to a dad written by a second grader named Taylor:

[My dad] is a very kind person. He loves to play with me. He always gets me what I want. I am glad I have a kind dad. If I didn’t have a dad, I would feel lonely. But when I do have my dad, I feel happy.

My dad always comforts me when I am scared. When there is a thunderstorm, he lets me sleep with him, and when I can’t fall asleep, he helps me go to sleep. He prays with me before I go to bed.

I would not sell my dad for anything, not even a race car. My dad is very tall; he gets things for me that I can’t reach. I love my dad and he loves me too.

He is also playful. He will let my brother and me hold onto his legs and he will walk with us on his legs. He is so kind that when I fall asleep in the car, he carries me without waking me up, up the stairs and into my bedroom, and puts me in my bed. I love my father.

Although Taylor’s dad sounds like a great guy, he probably isn’t all that different from you!

Please accept this encouragement from us today, dad: the simple things you do for your kids make you a hero in their eyes. Like Taylor wrote, it’s playing together, praying together, comforting your child at night, and doing little, everyday things to show your concern and love. Even when it seems like your kids don’t notice or care about what you do for them, they do.

And those simple things are making a difference. Those are the things that will help turn things around for fatherhood in our nation, for the benefit of our children and someday our grandchildren.

So, we really do mean it when we say, “Dad, keep up the good work.”

What has your child said or written to you that was most meaningful to you as a dad? Share your thoughts and join the discussion on our Facebook page.

Action Points & Questions for Reflection and Discussion

• Think back to your childhood. What positive memories do you have with your dad—or another man who stepped in as a father figure for you? Consider writing a short note to thank him on Father’s Day.
• Would your child describe you as a “kind person”? How can you show more kindness—to your kids and to others? Talk with your wife or another dad about how you can grow in that area.
• Does comforting your children come naturally and easily for you? If not, take steps to get more comfortable with that.
• When in the past have you felt most affirmed as a father? What qualities or habits were mentioned? Were they things that you’re intentional about as a dad, or simple, everyday things you do? (Or both?)
• Add one simple activity that you and your child do together weekly or on a regular basis.