Dad, I Miss You
on Goodreads (13)
What’s inside...
A heartfelt story exploring the emotions a child feels with the absence of a father. Through the journey, the child learns to cope with the loss and cherishes the memories shared. This story is dedicated to the author's mother and father, both of whom are residential school survivors. Told in the voice of a boy and his father by turns, this book takes a thoughtful and heartfelt look at the emotional toll of a child being taken from their family and community to attend residential school. While the child’s internal monologue expresses his fear, confusion, and loss, the father’s monologue conveys his own sadness, fears, and hopes for the future of his child. The narrative gives voice to the things left unsaid between a parent and child experiencing this heart-rending separation. Upon his return to his community, when father and son are reunited, they must start the long process of reconnection. Based on the author’s family history of residential school separation, this book provides a unique perspective on the difficult cycle of loss, reconnection, and regaining hope for the future.
Age
9-12
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the child in the story feels when they miss their dad?
What are some ways the child remembers and feels close to their dad when he's not around?
Can you think of a time you missed someone? What did you do to feel better?
Why is it important to talk about our feelings, like the child does in the book?
What are some things you love to do with a family member, and why do those moments feel special?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, maintain a gentle and understanding tone to make your child feel safe expressing their feelings.
Relate the story to personal experiences where possible, to help your child connect with the emotions in the story.
Encourage your child to express their feelings through drawing or writing a letter to someone they miss, similar to activities in the book.
Reinforce the idea that missing someone is a normal emotion and share your own stories to normalize these feelings.
Focus on listening actively to your child’s responses, showing them that their feelings are important and valued.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and expressing emotions
Explanation: In 'Dad, I Miss You', the child protagonist openly discusses feelings of missing their father, offering a narrative that helps children understand and articulate their emotions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to communicate their feelings more effectively, helping them build emotional intelligence and stronger relationships with peers and family members.
Example Lesson: Coping with absence of a loved one
Explanation: The story provides strategies such as reminiscing about happy memories and expressing feelings through words and art, demonstrating how children can manage their emotions during a loved one’s absence.
Real-World Application: Children can use these coping mechanisms to deal with separations like a parent's business trip, or while adjusting to a new caregiver.
Example Lesson: Importance of memory and legacy
Explanation: The protagonist recalls fond memories with their father, emphasizing how memories can keep a person's spirit alive even in their physical absence.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of cherishing good memories, and can inspire them to create lasting legacies with their own actions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in difficult times
Explanation: The emotional journey of the child shows them gradually adapting to the father’s absence, highlighting a narrative of resilience and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children learn that it is normal to feel sad or upset but they can grow and find strength even in difficult circumstances.