About 5 miles west of Childress is a prison that houses 1200 men. National statistics say, “85% of those sitting in prison today grew up in a fatherless home,” that just goes to show you the powerful roll fathers play in the lives of their children.
God has blessed me with four incredible boys. As their father I want to be proactive in raising them. They are one of the biggest ministries in my life right now. I’d rather fail as a minister, a missionary or a businessman, than fail at fatherhood.
I was thinking this weekend about how much I enjoy being a dad and how much I enjoy hearing my boys say certain things to me. It wasn’t long until I had a list of things I love to hear my children say. So here are the top 10 things I love to hear my children say…
10. Glad you’re home Dad.
9. Wanna do something?
8. Can I take out the trash for you? (I don’t hear this one very often) 
7. Can I ask you something?
6. Can you help me?
5. I missed you.
4. You are a good dad.
3. Thanks, Dad.
2. I love you, Dad.
1. Do you wanna have a catch? (I still cannot watch this video without getting choked up!)
What do you like to hear your kids say to you?
I am a Christian husband and father, who moonlights as the minister for the church of Christ in Childress, Texas. My wife Lea and I have been married for 23 years. We are doing our best to raise our 4 boys, who are all growing up way too fast.
My favorite is dad lets go play (anything)! My dad was not around much when I was young. I have come to value those moments with the boys. I am scared there will be fewer and fewer over the coming years.
Mike, I’ve watched you with your boys… you’re a good dad and they are blessed to have you in their life.
Here are some of my favs from my kids…
That was great! (in reference to something I’ve cooked)
Can I ask you a question? (I know I borrowed that one but it is nice to know that your kids do want to hear what you have to say)
You’re the best Mom! (Of course I’m their only Mom but it’s still nice to hear!)
You are so pretty!
That was funny! (In reference to my amazing wit
)
Mom!!!! (must picture my kids running out the door with arms wide open after I get off of work) makes me smile when I think about it!!
And the all time favorite…
I love you!
a few more things…
‘yes ma’am’
‘no ma’am’
‘yes sir’
‘no sir’
…without my prompting!
Carol … GREAT list. I can see your kids in my head running to you open armed saying, “MOM!!!”
My top two are “I missed you” and “I love you.” My favorite is a completely spontaneous hug accompanied by some variation of “I love my daddy.” Melts my heart into a little puddle.
Adam – well said. Hugs are a must in my world. Whether it’s my 20 year old, my 6’6” eighteen year old, or my younger ones … a hug is a must.
1. Mom, your the best
2. Lets pray
3. lets mooch
4. lets read a book
Lisa … I love praying & reading with my kids too. Excellent list.
Love this blog post! Probably one of my favorites yet, Trey. My kids make my heart soar daily! My favorite things they say are,
“I love you, Momma!”
“Mommy’s here!”
“That was the best dinner. Thanks!”
“You are the best Mom, ever.”
“Will you read us a book?”
“It’s color with chalk time!”
“It’s time for bedtime prayer.”
and my most favorite …
Lexi, “God is my best friend.”
Corbyn, “Amen.”
Thanks for sharing yours, Trey!!!!
I’m noticing that the moms love hearing good things about their cooking. Your last two were great, I can see why they made the list.
I’m with my kids 99.9% of the time, so I never hear the “I missed you” kind of comments… but I see what those types of statements do to/for my hubby when he comes home from work. He is like butter!
My favorites are things like, “Mom, I just love Jesus and God…and my stuffed doggy” (My five year old says something like that about twice a day). And “Dear Heavenly Father….” That gets me every single time. There is nothing like listening to the prayers of a 3, 5, and 8 year old! (Even when the 3 year old GIRL prays about all the bodily functions everyone had that day).
My daughter (3) has started saying, “if you like” as an addendum to lots of things. “Mom, you can get me more food now, if you like”. “Allan, you can play with my Snow White doll, if you like” Cracks me UP!
Love this post, and all the comments!
Char, “Dear Heavenly Father,” oh yea, hearing our children pray is incredible. And, I personally think “bodily functions” are fine to pray about.
“Dad, im fixing to wrestle you up!!”
The A-Train is a wrestling beast! And, you my friend, are a great dad!
I think the BEST things I can hear my girls say to me are:
“I really love you, Mommy/Mama/Madre/Mother (the last two are how Victoria addresses me!
“Thank you, Mom.” (I LOVE to hear this, especially when I don’t have to “prompt” them to say it!)
“You’re the greatest Mommy/Mother ever!” ( I LOVE this one!)
“Mama, you’re so pretty/beautiful.” AKA “Mama, you look so pretty/beautiful today.” (Makes me feel good on any given day!)
I also love hearing my daughters speak endearingly to each other. That assures me that I’ve done a great job raising them as loving sisters!
Also, if I hear them being respectful to others: “No/Yes, ma’am/sir. I LOVE hearing them pray, especially when they throw their own personality into the prayer!
My daughters are the BEST!! And, they are very funny, too!
Great list, Carolyn. You have such sweet girls. What mom or dad don’t love to hear that they are the greatest? I have to agree with them, you are great.
Awww..that was very sweet, Trey. Brought a tear to my eye…honestly! Thanks so much for your sweet, encouraging words!
You and Lea aren’t bad yourselves! 
I think the sweetest thing ever said to me was from my oldest grandson, Matthew. When he was around 6 or 7 he asked me if I would be able to find him in Heaven. I said, well I will be there before you and he said he knew that, but he justed wanted to make sure when he gets there I would be able to find him. I told him yes I will always be able to find you.
Great story, Glenna. Made me smile.
made me tear up!
That’s pretty common for you. ha
I didn’t have much of a relationship with my dad, and don’t remember very many things we ever did together. But along with your list, probably the one thing that stands out in my mind was when my children asked me to baptize them. Right up there was Josh’s request that I do his wedding, even though his wife’s grandfather was a retired minister. That meant the world to me!
I’ve been blessed to be a part of three of my boy’s baptisms, and you’re right, they are very special.
my little girl missed me this weekend and carried a picture around part of the time.
my father grew up without an easy affection from his father; certainly never an “I love you.” My dad raised his boys (& girls) with that in mind, and now my brothers are available and open to their sons (& daughter). I love to see it.
My daughter (age 9) is a home-body and uber-affectionate; especially after 9pm we’ve noticed–can you guess what her curfew will be?
she is good with the ‘i love you’ ‘miss(ed) you’ ‘you’re silly..smart.. beautiful.. cook good..” “You’ve pretty eyes”–and gets this mesmerized look.
i really value “I want/need to tell you something…” “I want/need to show/read something to you…”
i try to model genuine affection, and never tell her anything i don’t mean, and hope for the same in return; and more, i hope for those things in her interactions with others.
thanks for this post.. loved reading the others’ comments as well.
Leslie … thanks for sharing your thoughts. Good point, they must be genuine.
Mom, I’m coming home for a few days.
Followed closely by
I’m headed back. Love ya. Bye.
That made me laugh, BIG TIME!
I would love to hear, “Hey Mom, been missing you.”
Still praying
I love my children telling me they love me and my grandchildren tell me and my great grandson that is old enough to tell me. I love to hear all about every one of them, when they pull a tooth, play ball or are graduating, or getting married. Everyone needs to be reminded that they are loved. Want to know one thing you said to me once when your about four? It was a very cold morning and you were snuggled up with me in bed and you said, “I wish you were two moms. One could lay here and keep me warm and the other one could go fix my breakfast.” I told you I would like to be one who gets to stay in bed. I love you, Mom
Mom, I was such a smart boy. Cloning your mother is always a good idea.
My near 3-year old daughter is very articulate for her age. I love it when she says,
“I have kind hands and kind feet Dad.”
“Watch this Dad.” (said just before she tries to impress me with something.)
“Benny is my best friend.” (said about her 1-year old brother, Ben.)
“I want to go on a pink plane to Africa to help people.”
Ryan … I’d like to meet your 3-year old. She sounds like a ball of fun.