If a child could write her thoughts to her father, perhaps it would sound something like this:
Dear Daddy:
Thanks for all the great Christmas presents, but you know what? My favorite presents are those times the whole family wrestles on the floor and we tickle each other. I like piggy back rides, playing games with you, and doing puzzles. Its funny. Things like this are my favorite, but they aren't things I can take to show-and-tell. Isn't that weird. Let's do those things a lot!
I like my brother and sister, but I sometimes feel like you don't see me. I try to please you by doing things for you - drawing you a picture, making my bed, or cleaning my room. But sometimes you are so busy that you seem to forget that I'm here. I want to know that I matter as much to you as my sister and brother. Please take time every day to tell me I'm important to you and that you love me.
Sometimes I think that you like TV more than you like me. I know you say you love me, but I feel like I'm always in the way. When I feel left out I sometimes try to get your attention by being bad. I know that if I say something mean or act up you will pay attention to me then. It is not any fun getting into trouble, but I'd rather have you paying attention to me when I'm in trouble than not paying any attention to me at all.
When you come home from work I have so many things to tell you. I do many important things during the day. People tell me stories and exciting things happen. Just like the time that Cindy got her shoe stuck in the mud on the playground and had to wear one shoe the rest of the day. That was so funny. It made me feel so good inside when you laughed, too. I like it when you listen to my stories and act like they are important to you - when you look at my eyes when I'm talking to you. I know you are tired when you come home, but I don't understand anything about your job or what it means when you say you go to work. All I know is that you are gone from me and I miss you.
What do you think about when you see me? You tell me I look nice, especially on Sunday's, but I need you to tell me I'm pretty even if I'm not dressed up. I sometimes worry that you won't like me or that I am a bad person. It helps me feel better about myself when you smile at me, tease me, take me places, and talk with me. I like it when you hug me just because I am standing near you - not because I did anything special. My favorite times are when we go for a walk or sit together in the big chair in the living room - just you and me.
I don't like it when you and mommy argue. It scares me and I am afraid that you might leave me all alone. I always feel like somehow the fight was my fault. I want to do something to make it better, but I don't know what to do. It always makes me feel better when you and mommy are laughing - when you include me in your joking and your games. That is when I know that I am safe.
I know you tell me I'm a big girl, but don't forget I'm only seven. I have so much to learn and I need you to teach me. Please be patient with me when I make mistakes. I don't do it on purpose or just to make you mad. I'm trying to make you proud of me.
I love you even when you make mistakes. I can't imagine having any other dad. I can't wait until I'm eight. I'll be old then. Maybe then you will understand me.
Love, Your Daughter
