An Expression of Love

I Love My Daddy Because ... by Laurel Porter-Gaylord and illustrated by Ashley Wolff is a beloved children's board book. It celebrates the special bond between fathers and their children by pairing sweet, everyday reasons children love their dads with heartwarming examples of animal fathers in the wild caring for their young.

We read a storybook about a loving dad learn that we are safe, valued, and unconditionally cared for. These books build emotional security, model healthy relationships, and teach us how to express affection. Additionally, storytelling expands our vocabulary and teaches important life lessons about trust and family bonds. 

Emily, Rebecca, and Anthony begin by noticing how tall Daddies are. Standing on our toes, one by one stretches her or his hand to look up and marvel. To us, Dad seems able to reach anything, fix everything, and protect us from every fear.

As the conversation carries on, we begin to ask ourselves what lies beyond physical appearances. We may first notice how tall Daddies are, but with time we come to recognize qualities that cannot be measured in inches or seen at a glance. 

We discover a father's character, his values, his sacrifices, and the love that guides his actions. What once seems like physical strength is understood more deeply as courage, commitment, and compassion. In this way, our understanding of Dad grows, revealing that the greatest things about him are often the things we cannot see.

A very nice warm day encourages us to enjoy feeling water, and the splashing water reminds us of the water park. It brings us to the joyful moments and the excitement is back. ​

Leanna is feeling the water with her hands at first and she is ready to go further to her hair. Feeling the water to the head and the hair makes her laugh and her enjoyment attracts other friends to join in. ​

Rebecca and Leanna experience the same joyful moments together. Sharing the positive experiences which are laughing, following each other, and expressing the joy together help to build a band. 

We are expressing our dad's features with the playdough. Emily makes the shapes of her dad's face and puts eyes and hair. 

She says, "My dad has moustache." She pays attention to the details of his feature and works on his moustache with pom-poms. Rebecca explains her dad has both curly and straight hair. She picks strings to describe his straight hair. We are having conversations about our dads while we are working on our hands, and that helps us putting more details on our creations. 

From time to time, we find ourselves exchanging observations about the habits, quirks, and characteristics our dads may seem to display so naturally. For example, Rebecca instinctively reaches for a wooden handsaw when cutting a piece of cardboard.

Another example is Anthony. who instinctively takes the initiative to use a rope to tow Fia's car which appears to have a broken down, a trait that reminds us of Dad's readiness to help others.

We learn to recognize and appreciate our Daddy who cares for us. We can express thankfulness through drawings, artworks, songs, or words. On this occasion, Rebecca chooses to celebrate her dad by showcasing her strumming skills on an upcycled guitar she lovingly makes especially to serenade him.

To celebrate the occasion, friends strum our guitars together and sing along to a cheerful "Happy Father' Day" song, filling the atmosphere with joy and appreciation.

As she works on her drawing, Emily describes the dad she cares so deeply about, sharing stories and recalling cherished family experiences.

Luka enjoys drawing his dad and is especially excited to show how tall he is. Through his drawing, he proudly shares one of the things he admires most about his father. 

The act of drawing of our dads encourages us to reflect on the special people in our lives and strengthen our sense of connection, love, and belonging.

Through discussions and learning experiences, we can identify and express feelings such as love, pride, appreciation, and affection for family members.

We also express our love in many ways, with cuddles being one of the simplest and most heartfelt ways we show affection. Through simple embraces, we learn how comfort, warmth, and closeness can speak louder than words, helping us feel connected to our dads who matter most.

A visit to a nearby green field, where we can share a picnic beneath a tree on a beautiful sunny day, feels nothing short of amazing.

We read a storybook "Big Problems, Little Problems" of how a dad teaches his son to solve a daily challenges of life. And, in turn, the surprising ways in which a child can teach a grown-up to remember what it important, too. 

Before the parachute games begin, each child takes a turn showing the group how to do warm-up exercises. 

At first, it lies flat on the ground like a giant, sleepy rainbow. We take our places around, each one gripping a handle with small, eager hands. There is a moment of stillness, a shared breath of anticipation, and the parachute rises.

Then comes the rhythm: up and down, up and down. The parachute breathes with them. Sometimes is floats high like a sky trapped between their hands. Other times it dips low, brushing knees and tickling fingers, as laughter breaks out in a quick bursts.

There are games within the game. A child may be called to run underneath before the parachute comes down, racing like a secret wind. Another time, a lightweight ball will be placed on top, and friends will try to keep it bouncing without letting it roll away. Every movement matters.

What makes it special is not just the colours or the movementm but the feeling of togetherness. No one can lift the parachute alone. Every child's effort is part of the whole, and when it works, if feels like they are holding a piece of sky together. 

Kindest,
Children & Friends.