My 4yo told me she loves me and I realized I forgot to say it back | DadHQ

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My 4yo told me she loves me and I realized I forgot to say it back

Dec 31·1 min read

We're leaving daycare, she's half asleep in the carseat, just goes "I love you Daddy" all drowsy and sweet. And my brain was somewhere else (thinking about work deadlines like an idiot) and I just said "thanks buddy" and kept driving. Didn't click until I was at a red light what I'd done. How do I forget to say it back?? I called her out at dinner and made sure to say it properly but damn that one stung. Parenting is wild.

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Comments(6)

SSteve C.RegularDec 31

This is the stuff that actually matters. Forget about work projects and deadlines, this is the real win right here.

LLucasNew DadJan 2

The drowsy voice makes it hit even harder doesn't it? There's something about that half asleep vulnerability that gets you. Glad you're mindful about it now.

TTravis M.New DadJan 1

My son used to do this from his carseat too. Now he's 8 and more reserved so I try to catch those moments when they happen because you don't know when they'll stop.

RReggie K.RegularJan 1

Make it a thing to always say it back. Doesn't have to be deep or long, just 'I love you too' every single time. Your future self will be so grateful for that habit.

MMike R.New DadJan 2

Oh man, that hit me different just reading it. Take it from me, you don't get those moments back. Go say it to her right now even if she's sleeping.

KKent R.RegularJan 3

I do the automatic heart hug when my kids say I love you now. Just squeeze them back and always say it even if they're half asleep. Doesn't matter when it happens, it matters that it's said.