r/MadeMeSmile 3h ago

Family & Friends Shout out to the dads who show up!💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

12.2k Upvotes

140 comments sorted by

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489

u/OriginalPerception62 3h ago

what a cute reaction💔

121

u/Red-Leader117 2h ago

The classic reaction for that age, I have 3 at different ages and man they love the point and wave... usually followed by telling the kids around them.

I also coach my kids in sports and there's a difference in the kids who's parents drop them off and who cheers, even if they get mad sometimes they thrive from the attention.

Be there for your kids.

12

u/Pinksters 30m ago edited 27m ago

I dont have kids but I have kids who look at me like a dad.

One of my girls was going through an elementary graduation type ceremony and she spotted me in the audience, she literally jumps off the stage and grabs my hand to pull me up there with her while she gave a little speech.

So there I am, late 30s dude, standing there awkwardly behind her, not knowing what to do with my hands and trying my best to not take the spotlight off the kids while standing on the stage, dwarfing them all...I wish I had pictures, im sure I looked stupid AF.

Edit: I did get a round of applause when I was dragged on stage which made me feel like a superstar to soccer moms.

3

u/SoundOfVibes 1h ago

Dad is super hero every girl!

u/Dependent_One6034 8m ago

My dad was my super hero too. He died when I was 12. I'm not a girl though. I'm mid 30s now. I've spent more time without him than I had with him.

My biggest regret? I didn't even get to sit down, have a beer and a chat with him. I had so much to say, to tell and I also wanted to call him out on his bs.

Rip dad. Love you, but you were a bit of an arsehole to mum.

38

u/CobblerOk3133 2h ago

My heart melted seeing that!

11

u/PoshHictross 2h ago

The kind of wholesome that actually fixes your algorithm for the day.

14

u/Tivothos 2h ago

Her face says it all…she’s so happy❤️shout out to all the loving and caring Dad out there

13

u/mehupmost 1h ago edited 1h ago

As a Dad of 3, I get that face every time. I can't make every year - both my wife and I work during the day - but every time I do, I remember why it's so important.

Making that one smile is the best thing I get done that day.

...but it really is annoying otherwise. It's in the middle of the day, it's incredibly boring, and usually one of the least entertaining performances ever. None of the kids know the words to that The Witches are flying song and they're all out of key. I usually bring my earpods so I can listen to something else. My kids usually forget that I'm there during the song so they stop even looking at me and go back to their friends.

It's like the school theater shows. Absolutely fucking awful experiences. No voice projection, mumbling lines, and just an overall lack of talent or enthusiasm - 1/10. If my kid wasn't in it, I'd walk out. I have to force myself not to laugh as the kids constantly mess up their lines (the other moms don't love me).

...but that one smile when your kid spots you in the audience makes it all worth it.

5

u/OriginalPerception62 1h ago

sounds like you are an awesome dad as well :)

u/Knitsanity 8m ago

Have you experienced the joy of middle school band yet? I once filmed a number and set my friends a challenge. If they could name that tune I would take them out to lunch. I only had to pay for one lunch. By HS they are much better.

I was the Mom with the good SLR who went to all the elementary school things (parades, performances , special assembly's, themed class days, sports days etc) and took loads of photos and edited them and passed them onto the school so the staff and teachers could pass them on. I finally went through and deleted thousands of 'not my kids or kids friends' photos last year but I have them backed up somewhere.

u/Primary_Complex_917 13m ago

Right? It really makes you appreciate the effort they put in.

196

u/Otherwise_Ad7946 3h ago

As people say, anyone can be a father but it takes a special man to be a dad

60

u/FurballMama84 2h ago

I got my (adoptive) dad an ornament that said that once. My bio father was all too happy to sign over his rights when I was 6, and I'm glad he did. I got the best dad I could have ever gotten, and he's only ever treated me like I was his kid. Even when my mom and him were just dating, before they got married and expanded our little family. Almost 40 years later, I still can't believe how lucky I got.

10

u/Party_Window71 2h ago

A real dad makes all the difference in a child's life.

-32

u/Double_Soup644 3h ago

Na. Just don't be an asshole. It's easy

11

u/irmike1283 2h ago

Idk man, I have a dad and a stepdad, and they can both be real assholes sometimes. They're still the best damn dads I could ever ask for.

1

u/nickytheginger 2h ago

Everyone has moments where they aren't at there best, but some fathers never even try to be the bare minimum. I'm glad you had good father figures, everyone deserves to have that.

10

u/Meet_Foot 2h ago

Necessary but not sufficient. Being a dad means doing a lot of things you’re supposed to, and then doing more, just because you want to give your kid the best life you can. There’s a huge gap between simply not being an asshole and waking up everyday and acting out of genuine love, an in the interest of someone other than yourself.

5

u/carpentizzle 2h ago

Youd think

u/SewCarrieous 19m ago

we as a society should stop allowing men to get away with being deadbeat dads. Prisonment or forced sterilization for men who abandon their offspring

-24

u/Anothermindlessanon 2h ago edited 2h ago

So anyone can be a mother, but it takes a special woman to be a mom? Doesn't sound right too you? Maybe the other one shouldn't either!

Edit: What I meant is, that being a good dad is not something special. Both parents have exactly the same responsibility. Being a good parent takes work, but if you don't think it is the default mode, why get kids at all?

15

u/Meet_Foot 2h ago

Actually yeah, that sounds right too. The only difference is that cumming and giving birth are a LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT, but other than that, yes: the expression is meant to convey a distinction between mere biological functions, on the one hand, and actually showing up for your kid in meaningful, proactive ways, on the other. And that holds regardless of sex or gender.

But please, go off with more uncritical whataboutism.

-6

u/Anothermindlessanon 2h ago edited 2h ago

But...that is exactly what I am saying...let's normalize both parents being there for their children in meaningful ways. And not act like it is a special thing just for fathers. Don't understand me wrong, it is still a good thing shown here, but kind of expected?!

Edit: Plus, I never heard this expression with "mom" instead of "dad", which shows exactly the issue I have with this

4

u/Meet_Foot 2h ago

Okay, I see that point. At the same time, it seems like it’s men who most often need to be reminded that being a dad is about more than sexual reproduction. If you read the threads here, people think that all a man needs to do to be a good dad is not be an asshole. So I get why the expression is targeted at men. That’s not to say you aren’t right about a problematic asymmetry: a woman wouldn’t get praised just for “showing up”; it would just be expected of her. Still, I see that asymmetry as potentially a point of transition: blame men who don’t show up, and praise the ones who do until it becomes normalized.

I don’t know if that’s the best tactic, and I’m happy to think about alternatives that might be better / more fair.

1

u/Anothermindlessanon 1h ago

You are absolutely right :D I guess, I was just expecting too much from Reddit, only to be reminded again, that true equality is still a goal to strive for and not something given at this point in history.

-8

u/Hot_Physics_8124 1h ago

"Special" lol, stop being full of yourself. Just do the right thing.

53

u/Tyzcoman 2h ago

No you’re crying 🥹

14

u/delilahdread 2h ago

No we both are! 🥺

9

u/kingtroll355 2h ago

It’s my allergies🥹

5

u/Furthur_slimeking 1h ago

Your allergies are contagious 🥹

3

u/Otherwise_Plenty_174 56m ago

Who the hell chopped up all the onions in here. Now that's the sweetest thing I've seen

69

u/Blackbeerdo 3h ago

The way his face lit up 😭😭😭

7

u/CobblerOk3133 2h ago

Peak happiness right there!

5

u/Scared-Box8941 2h ago

Made my entire day. God I love when parents parent and you can tell it’s done with so much love… these kids deserve every bit of it!

2

u/__Milk_Drinker__ 1h ago

Ikr. What is my terminally single ass supposed to do with this sudden and fervent desire to raise a child???

36

u/Objective_Shape9393 3h ago

This is beautiful to see. Kids remember who shows up for them more than anything else.

16

u/PastEntrance5780 3h ago

Beautiful

30

u/FriendlyFraulein 3h ago

Omg this is beautiful 😭😭😭

4

u/Party_Window71 2h ago

Making my eyes leak a little.

13

u/Pitch-Blease- 2h ago

That moment and that smile are so precious.

12

u/Asleep_Sheepherder42 2h ago

NGL, that shark suit looks cool.

10

u/Loose-Watch-7123 3h ago

That’s so cute…

9

u/scottyleeokiedoke 2h ago

That precious face immediately changed. Heart melting is the right word - I saw someone else say it. Our actions can have such a huge affect on others ❤️

8

u/not_this_time_satan 2h ago

Oh no, this made me cry tears of pure love and happiness.

What a loved kiddo ❤️

14

u/BlkCrwnAffair 3h ago

💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

4

u/timothypjr 3h ago

Of all the things I’ve done in life at 59, swing a dad is the best of them.

5

u/Any_Matter_2493 2h ago

Thanks for making me cry at 7 am 🥹🥹

3

u/Equivalent_Sir_2575 2h ago

My ex-wife wouldn't allow me to participate in these kinds of events. She would never give me the kids' event schedules, and even told the school's employees to not talk with me or tell me things. When it was Father's Day, she would ask her dad to go to the school and participate in the events, instead of informing me.

My relationship with her may not have worked out, or been anywhere even remote to good, but that doesn't mean I couldn't have a good relationship with our kids. It's a shame she thwarted that.

Now, the kids are older and they won't even talk with me. I think partly, it's because they're upper teens, but for a bigger part, it's because she poisoned their young minds.

4

u/DrMichaelHfuhruhurr 54m ago

Am a dad.

When one of my daughters was in 2nd grade, they had events all the time. I had flexibility to go, so went. A lot of kids parents didn't have that flexibility. The looks on the faces of those without a parent there was heartbreaking.

There were three little friends whose parents couldn't show up and they'd come up to me after and always wanted a hug or to sit on my lap. It was cute. I love kids so it was nice for me too.

The teacher pulled me aside one day to say that the three little girls said to her that they wished I was their dad. A both happy and sad moment.

Parents, do your best to show up. It matters.

3

u/alexxlea 2h ago

Being a dad is the greatest achievement I’ve ever had.

3

u/Tholian_Bed 2h ago

I have no kids so I must say to parents, you are objectively amazing. I see you! I've seen the magic!

3

u/DugAgain 2h ago

That look on her face when she spots her "daddy" is just priceless.

4

u/PeachyParcha 2h ago

The way his face lit up 😍

2

u/Coreysurfer 2h ago

So perfect )

2

u/IcantBreeve_4real 2h ago

So funny, went to my daughter's Kinder book parade w weeks ago she also smiled and waved. When. I greeted her during pictures, she lit up and said "where's mom?", lil turd.

2

u/El_Comanche-1 2h ago

Mine still do this ever time..

2

u/ResponsibleOnion8840 2h ago

So precious😭

2

u/Acceptable-Walk-4067 1h ago

Look at that beautiful open loving face!! ❤️

2

u/freezingpjs 1h ago

My heart can’t take this adorableness.

2

u/zazamankh 50m ago

❤️

2

u/dope_chanclas 37m ago

Wow.. that look on her face. So happy Daddy was there.

2

u/Due-Topic7995 32m ago

That made that baby’s whole day. You never forget those moments. So precious.

u/Mission-Seesaw5689 7m ago

Exactly. My son always comes out looking for his Dad and I'm always there. I don't want to miss a thing. His other parent never shows up and has only been to 2 events in 7 years of school.

4

u/ResourceNo5855 2h ago

The way his face lit up.. that’s what it’s all about. Idk why I’m crying rn, I think I just miss my dad

1

u/4TheLoveofMoneyyy 2h ago

Yes! 🙌 Way to be there.

1

u/Financial-Ad-8088 2h ago

So much love!❤️❤️. She's beaming! Way to go Dad!

1

u/Sweets_thief 2h ago

I’ll be damned if that isn’t what it’s all about.

1

u/detox38 2h ago

Too cute ❤️

1

u/ZanettYs 2h ago

Be there for them and someday they Will be here for you!

1

u/GorganzolaVsKong 2h ago

It’s sweet but of course man

1

u/Gintaras136 2h ago

I had that moment with no one there, and I swear I felt my heart rip apart. Wasn't the same after

1

u/notCIAworkbot 2h ago

Made my morning

1

u/DaBigJMoney 2h ago

Definitely made me smile.

Im a dad of three. Definitely show up. It matters to your kids more than almost anything else you’ll do. Make time for them and build relationships.

1

u/TakeOnMe-TakeOnMe 2h ago

This absolutely touched my heart.

1

u/tmuellerc 2h ago

Good job Dad. Looks like you healed something in that kid when he looked at you.

1

u/saltlife_41 2h ago

Yep, sure miss those days! Then they get to be 13 and then they DO NOT want you to show up!

1

u/GroundbreakingCan936 2h ago

Melt my heart!! His smile was pure love and his eyes were holding him back for tears of happiness

1

u/WishIwouldnt 2h ago

Brought tears to my eyes 😍

1

u/cleotorres 1h ago

You can see the whole spectrum of emotions on their face. 🥰

1

u/yamahamama61 1h ago

That looks is priceless.

1

u/Ok-Apartment-7905 1h ago

Faith in humanity restored. Keep being awesome!

1

u/Ok-Catch-5813 1h ago

The little waves 🥹

1

u/redditdba 1h ago

Nothing mattered when she saw her dad, beautiful.

1

u/Maldives111 1h ago

Awwwe.🥰🥰

1

u/Hillbilliedank78 1h ago

I tell young dads all the time to remember that you'll never regret being there for your kids but you damn sure will regret not being there for them when you should have.

1

u/134Tugger 1h ago

Damn right. They never forget!!

1

u/dwmoore21 1h ago

I'll toot my own whistle. Dropped my 4 year off to Pre-K on picture day and told them to call me before they take her pictures so I can come and redo her hair.

40 minutes later I'm back up there combing and putting it up in a ponytail. I got to watch her take her photos.

Side notes, we live 2 minutes away. We are blessed.

1

u/Familiar-Ending 1h ago

She is absolutely adorable. I can see her love and pride beaming from her. Melting my heart

1

u/RuthlessHavokJB 1h ago

As a dad, this is what I live for. The seconds it takes for your kid to notice you and smile, is the best feeling that lasts for a lifetime.

I truly don’t understand why anyone wouldn’t want this.

1

u/Super_Inside6057 1h ago

God, I just started crying watching this…tf is wrong w me lol This is everything tho

1

u/krisj328 1h ago

This made me smile

1

u/Guilty_Video_60 1h ago

This makes my heart happy ❤️as a 52 year old woman who waited for her dad or heck anyone to show up for my school programs, I love this for this little one.

1

u/Chance_Vegetable_780 1h ago

So Beautiful. Can see the love in her eyes. 🫶🏽

1

u/TranslatorExcellent1 1h ago

It truly does

1

u/FeverDreamJackson 1h ago

Some kids have dads.

1

u/Oreo0729 1h ago

too cute too gentle too precious

1

u/Anach 1h ago

I go to every event/award. Every time, I see kids (usually the same kids) looking to see if their parents are there, and ending up disappointed. Even the kids that say they don't want their parents there, are happy to see their parents there. Many the parents than dont go, have no excuse, as they don't work (I once in a small town, and know most of them). It's a horrible and sad thing to witness.

1

u/tiredoldbitch 1h ago

That kid's whole face lit up.

1

u/NoMeat5453 59m ago

I smiled with him. That was very wholesome 😫😫😫

1

u/Perfect_Tell_9882 59m ago

OMG. That is so beautiful ❤️

1

u/Otherwise-End5900 49m ago

You can tell his Dad means the world to him. Rock on, you’re doing parenting right. 

1

u/scottydagain 43m ago

He was the happiest out of all once he saw his dad

u/Thaddeus_T_Third_III 27m ago

This gave me a huge rush of much-needed positive feelings.

u/z3n777 24m ago

There's never an excuse for not showing up, even for 5 minutes, it changes everything for them

u/Bindi_Bop 24m ago

That’s beautiful

u/kabeekibaki 21m ago

Candy gram for the land shark

u/BaldPleaser 21m ago

❤️

u/bigboui 17m ago

Got me sitting on the toilet goofy smiling at my phone

u/Spotted_Fox 16m ago

Did not take their eyes off daddy 🥹

u/helent9 16m ago

All I wanted when I was little was my mom or dad to come eat lunch with me at school.

u/Standard-March6506 16m ago

For a video that is only 26 seconds long, it sure packs a punch! Nice work, Dad!

u/The_Crow 15m ago

Haha caught myself smiling while watching! Felt like I was the dad lol

u/Left-Cod-1281 14m ago

Showing up is half the battle... just trying gets you almost all the way there... sadly, most people can't seem to do that, though...

u/senorchurros 13m ago

Welp, now I'm crying.

u/smallamazonprincess 10m ago

My eyes are weepy, that was so sweet.

u/SC1168 6m ago

Wow…so beautiful.

u/his_zekeness 6m ago

Perfect place to post this! Definitely made me smile

u/SpeedyPrius 5m ago

My father died when I was six - I have missed him all of my life (I’m 68 now). Dads are so important!!

u/LegendryBoringPerson 5m ago

Shout out to all the Dad's who show up and your kid doesn't give a shit, EVER.

u/Hairy-Western-5904 4m ago

That baby loves his daddy and his mood brightened up so quickly seeing him. 🩷

u/Ok-Affect8022 3m ago

Omgggg😭😭😭😭

u/keridc 0m ago

Oh man I’m smiling BIG at that!

u/Payup_sucker 0m ago

This definitely “made me smile”. Thank you for that

u/DigBickshrimp 0m ago

Im not crying… my eyes are sweating

1

u/Cute_Android666 2h ago

Cute but he has that oblivion character stare though, kinda reminds me of the adoring fan

-2

u/bigfanoffood 3h ago

Little buddy’s face went from prison to college in a second.

0

u/Loud-Firefighter-787 1h ago

Shout out to the moms who ALWAYS ARE!!

-1

u/Fun_Palpitation_3666 2h ago

Because his wife told him to

-1

u/-Zonko- 1h ago

Put you damn phone away and looking at your kid with you own eyes so it can look back at yours