Fathers Direct, with the Department for Education and Skills, organised a national competition for primary school children, Message to Dad, in the run-up to Fathers Day (15 June 2003).

This is a selection of the messages – with messages sorted into the following groups:

* Daddy oh daddy, where have you been?
* I love you, Dad!
* Why do you always work, Dad?
* My Dad cares for me
* When I’m a Dad I want to be like you
* Grandad, you are the best!
* The things children say….

Daddy oh daddy, where have you been?

Every time my dad leaves, tears come straight out of my eyes.
My heart breaks and I think that I’ve lost everything.
But day after day I stay by the door and I wait for that special knock on my heart.
And when I hear it I jump up with joy and the tears of happiness race down my cheeks
And then I blink my eyes, when I open them the bright light shines into my eyes
And makes them glittery.
And I’m in Dad’s heaven.
Love from Nazia (Yr6)

***

Dear Daddy
You’re wonderful and kind and helpful to me and I love you. So stay there forever and I will come to see you every Sunday after horse riding.
Daddy oh daddy where have you been?
I’ve been up to heaven to visit our king.
Daddy oh Daddy, what did you there?
I’ve lived here my life and watched you down there.
(Chloe, Yr2. Chloe’s dad has just died of cancer.)

***

Dear Father,
I don’t say dear dad, because you have not been a dad to me, have you? I haven’t introduced myself yet. My name is Daniel and I am Rebecca’s son. You might not remember my mother, but I think about you all the time. I live in Wales now. We moved about a bit, but at the moment we are in one place. I have a brother as well. His name is Leon and he is 2 years old. I am 11 if you lost count, since you don’t know my birthday date. My birthday is on the 12th of January, by the way. Do you have the internet, because if you do, here is my email address. My mam told me I have half brothers. Do they know about me? I play the cornet but I am not very good. I am better at writing poems and stories. For the SATs we had to write a story and mine was very long and magical. Do you have a similar talent? Please write back by email, even though we have never met.
Your thoughtful son, Daniel (Yr6)

***

To Dad
If you look at the sky at night you will see that there are no more stars.
And it’s all your fault because every time I miss you a star falls from the sky.
And I have missed you so much that there are no more stars in the sky and soon no moon.
Love from Dunia (Yr6)

***

I might not have seen him for 8 years but I love
him every single day and night.
(Liu, Yr6)

***

To the best dad in the world!
Are you fine up in heaven?
The song that you like I like it too,
You love me and I love you dad,
You are always there for me,
But you are always by my side,
I see you up in heaven every day,
Dad I still remember you,
And you are always in my heart,
Dad you are always here with me,
I love you lots and lots Dad,
Need you back but you can’t come back.
You are the best,
World peace is up in heaven,
Our school and family are praying for you,
Love you lots Dad and I will never forget you,
Dad, Dad, I miss you lots.
I love my Dad, the best.

PS My dad has died and he is always by my side. I love him like my mum.
Katie (Yr6)

***

I’m writing a message to you
To find what you most like to do
I know that you never have much time so
Spill your thoughts into mine.
You need a life as well
I realise but do not tell
Maybe you might need a rest
To make sure you are always the best
Everyone knows this is true;
I love you and you love me too
You have so many wishes to fulfil
I want you to do all of them before you write your will
I’m writing this message to you
To find the inner side of you
I know you don’t often have time
So spill your heart into mine.
(Rosemary, Yr6)

***

Dear Dad, I only see you once a week…..Some small things I ask of you: Please come to my school plays and come to parents’ evening to see how I’m getting on.
(Charlotte, Yr6)

***

deyrest dad I wish you didnt haf t go
I wish good look
I think you are the Best
I love you verry very much
and I mis you verry much
lots and lots and lots of love
(Keely, Yr1)

***

I would like my Dad to take me out fun places and see him every day.
I wish I could go to him when I need to solve my problems.
I want him to live in my house, next door to my room.
My past and future won’t be the same without you.
I’m dying to meet you, I need you by my side when things get hard.
Where are you? I want to hug you all day long because I have not seen you for ten years.
I love you so much. When shall we meet?
You was only there for me when I was a baby.
Please, I beg, come back for me.
(Olivia, Yr6)

***

Dar dad I love you. I wish that you and Mum was togeva age. I am missing you vere much.
(Drew, Yr2)

***

Dear Dad, Why can’t you visit me more often so I can play tennis with you? I still remember when you drilled a hole through your foot and you had to stay for two weeks. So why can’t you stay that long all the time?
Love Beth xxxxxx (Yr5)

***

Dear Dad
It’s Amy here!!!!!!!!
I’m missing you soo much
It’s so lonely without you.
There’s no one here to tuck me in at night,
There’s no one here to give me a good night kiss.
Oh dear lovely dad pleas come and visit me.
Im so lonely without you!!!!!
The only thing that I remember is that sunny day that you took us all to FLAMINGO LAND!!!
But a good memory is not enough for me.
What I need is a visit from you!
And I can tell you all about when I sat my SATS
ALL MY LOVE
X Amy X (Yr6)

***

When I come
to see you I
fall in your
arms with love
each time. I very
rarely get to see
you that’s why
I hug you so tight.

But when I go
home I wait
by the phone
and I can’t hear
the bell of the
phone. I get upset
and feel alone and
don’t know what is wrong.

I wait and wait
I don’t get a Christmas
present or a birthday
present. But I know he
loves me in his own
special way and I think
that is what’s special
about my dad that he
does love me in his own way.
(Bella, Yr6)

I love you, Dad!

Dad, you’re like a special friend
You’re caring as can be
You love me no matter what I do
You see the best in me
I will always love you
This love I want to show
So keep this poem within your heart
So you will always know.
Love Kayleigh xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Yr5)
PS I love you so much.

***

Dear Dad,
I had fun the other day when we went to the fair. When we went on the bumper cars I was scared, because everyone was bumping into us. The Waltzer was screaming. When we got off you were O.K., but I was really dizzy. After we’d had a drink I had a go on Hook the Duck. It was easy. Thank you for taking me to the fair. I am excited about visiting Bangladesh with you soon. I am excited about going on an aeroplane.
Love from
Afsana x (Yr5; special needs)

***

Fireworks fizz all around,
When he comes into my eyes.
He makes me laugh, with his smile!
He’s my flame in my life, and guided me when I was young through the world.
One shoulder to cry on when I’m sad, someone to rely on when I’m BAD!
My only man who’s truthful, cunning and kind.
A special person who’s as cuddly as a bear.
A shining sun who looks out for me anytime.
A flowing river that will never stop.
My guardian angel in the sky, that flies above me all the time
The bestest man…he’s my knight in shining armour.
When I win I do him proud, he smiles and smiles and cuddles me now.
Guess…Guess… who is this AMAZING man?…..Who else but my DAD!!!
(Jenny, Yr6)

***

….There you were when I was born
Holding me in your arms
(Mairead, Yr6)

***

Some people say like father like son. But I think they are wrong.
Like father like daughter. I’m exactly like my Dad. Not in looks. In personality.
We both like fishing and picnics.
(Emma, Yr6)

***

He’s really cool, he’s soft but tough,
When he tells a joke it is enough,
To make me giggle when I’m down,
Or make a smile from a frown,
(Alex, Yr6)

***

…..You are annoying
Guess what though, I still love you.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxHANNAHxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx(Yr6)

***

My Dad is the best ever, Especially with his spikey hair,
He tells me jokes and stories, And drives me here and there!
He buys me birthday presents, That make me think ‘Oh wow!’
And when he has to go to work, I ask him ‘Oh not now!’
My dad is cool and comfy, He’s always there for a cuddle,
He’s super duper at sorting out, Especially with I’m in a muddle!
He helps me with my homework, And other things so boring,
Then after a gorgeous night in bed, He wakes me up in the morning!
My Dad can’t always be here, With a great big working mob!
My dad means my life to me, Yes, Dad – you do!
So listen to what I’m saying, Daddy, I owe everything –
TO YOU!
I cannot write how much I love my Dad.
You cannot understand how it is either,
neither can I. It just is. It’s called LOVE.
(Jordan, Yr6)

***

Dear Dad. PLEASE stop smoking because I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you. Love Jessica xxx (Yr6)

***

Yo Dad,
api Frthz dai 2 da v.best Dad in da ‘ole wold!
I luv u milz + zilz cubed!
u r a gr8’n’ mad
soooo wundaful Dad
wen I c u I’m so v.glad
wen I’m cheeky I try not 2 b bad
Dat iz y u r a wundaful Dad
Ope u hav a fabalisiou dai!!!!
Milz + Bilz + Trilz + Zilz O luv
(Kez, Yr6. Kez’s parents are separated. Kez and her dad text each other to keep in touch.)

***

To Dad, I love you so much
Even though you embarrass me in front of all of my friends
(Jessica, Yr6)

***

My dad calls me his little angel
But I don’t think that’s quite true
I love my dad very much
And I know he loves me too.
My dad’s not mad on football or anything as such
He doesn’t even like reading all that much
He only likes the tv mag that tells him whats on tv
Then he sits down in his chair with a cup of tea
The chair is like a rule to him he sits there all the time
He doesn’t sit in any other not even in mine
My dad ‘s the best dad and I wouldn’t change a thing
My dad puts a smile on my face and he’s funny when he sings
If my dad was to go away it wouldn’t be fair
Because my dad and I we’re friends and a perfect pair.
(Siobhan, Yr5)

***

Dear Foster Dad,
You call me muscles. I don’t like it. Call me Hazelnut instead…..I like you a lot now.
Love from Hazel x x x x x x x x (Yr5, special needs)

***

Dear Dad,
You love me and look after me and treat me like a princess. You don’t know how lucky I am to have a dad like you. I will always love you and will care for you. (Rachael, Yr6)

***

“Get up dad! Come on!” I moan.
But he just turns over “Leave me alone!
Stop moaning and groaning and shouting at me!
And get me a beer to go with TV!” . . .
“We just want some fun, because we love you so much.
Don’t you see?” . . .
“OK, we’ll have some fun. AFTER TV!”
(Leah, Yr6)

***

Dad, you are my best friend and always will be.
(Ben, Yr5)

***

My dad is the most wonderful dad in the world.
My dad will help me with anything.
My dad is the coolest dad around.
My dad will love me forever because he’s my dad.
My dad loves me and I love my dad.
Me and my dad will do something in the future,
something so exciting that it will make me want to pop because I’m with my dad.
(Shauna, Yr4)

***

You are my teddy at night.
(Naomi, Yr4)

***

Daddy, you are my Daddy
You make me happy when skies are grey
Daddy, you are my Daddy
Please don’t take my Daddy away.
From Lewis (Yr 6)

***

Happy The Ever
Daddy are Best Dad
Day you I coolest
You Man love the
are the you are
From Daniel (Yr6)

***

Dear Dad, I do not know what I would do if you were not there.
(Amy, Yr6)

***

You know what makes me special,
I tell you all my secrets,
You never tell a soul,
…..You tell me you love me and I know you are there,
Just a time to tell you,
I really do love you.
(Sharnice, Yr6)

***

Thank you father
You and I, two of a kind…..
I really want Fathers Day
to last forever……..
I will do everything you did to me.
And you will always by
in my heart.
(Elimando, Yr6)

***

I love you so much dad.
You brought me into this world
you bring me so much joy,
I’m so glad to be your little boy
you have shown me what’s right and wrong
one day I will write you a song.
(Ricardo, Yr4)

***

My Dad is so funny
He lights up the room when he’s there
He is my Sunshine and my only
Sun. He’s the greatest dad in the world
He loves me so much
He helps me.
Dad I love you so much.
(Nancy, Yr3)

***

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
You are MY dad,
And I love you.
Lots of love from Rachel (Yr5)
xoxoxoxoxoxo

***

my dad is a king hoo rides a horse
his in my dreams
he makes me in my harte
hes always there for me
hes there in the Bres whith me
holding on to me hes make happy in my haret
he turnes me inside out of me
he takes me aride on the sea
he takes me over the contry
he is as happy as a’me
he takes my life on rides to him
to love daddy
(Chloe, Yr2)

***

The light in a gloomy room
The inspiration in my life
The music in my year,
Whenever he is near!
(Siobhan, Yr6)

***

Dear Dad, we are more like brothers than father and son,
because you play games with me and we have such fun.
I love you lots, Joseph (Yr5)

Why do you always work, Dad?

Dear Dad,
I miss you when I’m at school. I love SOME of your jokes, because they’re stupid. The other ones are really stupid (but really funny)!! I always think of you when I’m at school. Carry on telling me those jokes!! I don’t like it when you’re at work because I really miss you. I wish you could stay at home because then I’ll see you more often. Do you have to work such long hours? I really miss you. I know we need money, but at least stay home for a few days. Thanks for the birthday money (and Mum). Thanks for everything. You don’t need to give me much because I know you love me. From Emma x (Yr4)

***

Dear Dad,
Dad I know I don’t see you often, because you always go off to work when I wake up. So, I’ve decided to tell you how I feel. Dad, I love you more than life itself and I know you love me in the same way. Birthday and Christmas presents are okay, but I love you for not going to work so I can stay with you. I hope your future will be beautiful because we would be together. I love you very much; you are the best dad in the galaxy. I know I might be exaggerating but that’s how I feel.
Lots and lots of love, Rachelle xxx (Yr5)

***

Dear Dad, Why do you always work? I hate it. On my birthday,
please take a day off so we can have fun all day……
Love from Adam (Yr5)

***

Dear Dad, I’m glad you don’t go to work anymore. You always used to be away for my birthday and now you can take care of Natasha……
Love from Jason (Yr5)

My dad cares for me

Dear Dad,
I have a few things to say to clear the air:
Please lose some weight as you are getting fat
Stop giving me chips all the time, I don’t like them
Stop swearing, or Melissa will start copying you
Don’t give me ham sandwiches any more. Can I have something else in my lunchbox?
And most important of all, please don’t embarrass me in front of my friends.
Love Jonathan (Yr5)

***

Dear Dad,
I don’t always tell you this, but I’d like to explain how I feel about you. You are one of the kindest people I know. You cook like Ainsley Harriott. You are a very good gardener and you put the flowers in the right places. My Mum likes where you put them. You are a very good game player because you always win at Monopoly and lots of other games. You are also a very good goaly but I am not a very good football player. Perhaps you could teach me?
Love Emma xxxxxxxxx (Yr5)

***

To daddy. I love you. You play golf and you like me. And you make my tea. You’re not good at singing. But you are good at making tea.
Love Katy (Reception, written in twirls.)

***

My daddy takes me to see the ducks.
(Shaun, Nursery, with picture.)

***

When I am stuck with my home work you help me with it if I need it.
When I am being bullied you help me in any way you can.
(James, Yr6)

***

You are the best dad I ever had. If I have homework to do your there. If mum has gone out and really got hard work to do your there and best thing about you you’re my dad and no-one is going to take you away from me.
From Jade (Yr4)

***

My Dad is special because he defends me.
(Anon, Yr6)

***

To Dad, Thank you for looking out for me when mum’s not there….. Love from (Jamie, Yr6)

***

He takes me to my clubs,
And I still get my hugs.
He reads to me, he feeds me,
He helps me when I’ve hurt my knee.
(Patrick, Yr5)

***

My Dad loves and cares for me,
Yet he still has time to watch football,
(Emma, Yr3)

***

My Dad looks after me and my sister
really well. My dad is a good friend to
me and helps me when I need help…..
My dad acts as a mum and dad…..
Dad I love you, because you’ve always been there when I needed you.
(Callum, Yr3)

***

Dear Dad, when can I come to work with you because I like to go with go with you and deliver parcels with you.
(Joshua, Yr5)

When I’m a Dad I want to be like you

…..I hope that I’m just as good as a Dad as you are to me. I love you loads.
Jack (Yr6)

***

Hi Dad, I love spending time with you. You are the best thing that ever happened to me. And when I grow up and I have kids, if I’m half as good as you, I’ll be the luckiest person in the world.
Love from Matty (Yr6)
PS I love you Dad

Grandad, you are the best!

Grandad you’re so funny
Your old tricks make me laugh
If I’m in a bad mood
You always cheer me up so fast.

Grandad you’re so kind
You let me get away with everything
You say that we must love you
Well grandad, yes we do

Grandad you’re so cheerful
You’ve always got a smile
It makes you look so handsom
Grumpy just doesn’t suit you.

Grandad you’re so merry
Merry’s your middle name
Your always having fun with us
Which is what makes you so special.

You’re the best in the world
And I write this with all my heart
Grandad, you’re so funny
Grandad, you’re so cheerfull.

Grandad, we all love you,
Ellie, Toby, Harry, Macey and Mia
And we will to the end.
(Ellie, Yr4)

The things children say . . .

To Dad, If you’re good and do whatever I say for the next few days, I might get you a present.
(Simon, Yr6)

***

So think – spend time with your fathers. Get to know them better.
Dads put their lives in front of us, same as mothers.
(Vijay, Yr6)

***

Dear Dad,
I’d like you to take me to a football match, because I have never been to one and it looks cool.
I would like you to arrange for me to see Backham and get his autograph. It would be fun.
Then we could have hot dogs and coke at half time.
From Jamie (Yr5, special needs)

***

Do you remember when you fell off your bike? We were riding down Beckett’s Park. You fell off and chased me because I was laughing. You chased me over the field and grabbed my foot, so I fell over too!
Love Brian x (Yr5, special needs)

***

I wonder across the land
On the dark cold sand
And where I want to see someone
I always see you having fun.
(Adam, Yr5)