A Year After My Dad Died, 1 Thing He Did For My Son Lives On

“Do you still miss Papa?” my 10-year-old asked out of nowhere.

Of course I did. My dad passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack a year and a half ago, and I thought about him every day. My instinct to call and share a funny parenting story or ask “The Grill Master” how I should prepare our chicken dinners remained. It was only after I started planning our conversation in my head that I remembered why I couldn’t call.

Not wanting to upset my son with a long and involved answer, I opted for the simple truth: I missed Papa every day. Shifting the mood, I asked if he remembered all we did together — since 18 months in kid time can feel like 18 years. I wasn’t sure what stuck with him.

“I do,” my son said, “I remember Papa said, ‘yes.’”

Surprised by this new piece of info, I scrambled to grasp what he meant. My dad didn’t fit the definition of a “yes-man.” He wasn’t a pushover to requests like roller skating in the house or using couches as trampolines. (I should know.) But memories of Papa’s yeses to games of hide and seek, flying kites, or watching cartoons overwhelmed my brain. I couldn’t begin to count all the hours my dad agreed to spend time with his grandson — on kid terms. And with this realization came the happy tears. My son was right — Papa did say yes.

Laurel Sims-Stewart , a licensed clinical therapist who works with children and adults, told HuffPost that saying yes to a child’s request for playtime, a favorite meal or an outing in the park is a great way to foster connection and build a solid relationship.

“Doing this helps our kids feel seen, and that their needs and wants matter,” Sims-Stewart said.

Meeting your child’s requests (as long as they’re safe, healthy and appropriate) boosts your kid’s