This is one sure way to completely make your child’s day!
My son has quite the obsession with one of his little stuffed animals. He’s had it since he was a baby, and it’s always been a good friend to him. I frequently have to kiss both my son and his stuffed animal as I tuck them into bed, and it’s not uncommon for my little boy to take on a different pitch to his voice and carry on a conversation with me, while pretending to be his stuffed animal. When my daughter was born, I bought her the same animal, but in pink and she is rarely seen without hers immediately by her side. She has several of the same one and carries them around EVERYWHERE.
Needless to say, these little hippos are a big part of our lives! One day, my son decided to send his hippo to work with daddy. I had a long talk with him beforehand, making sure he would be okay without it for the day, but he was confident that the hippo needed to go to work. We left it in the car overnight and I let my husband know that it was there so maybe he could mention it to our son when he got off work (and so he’d remember to bring it up out of the car when he got home!).
Instead of merely bringing the animal back to our son when he got home, my husband went above and beyond and completely made our little boy’s day!
After work, my husband grabbed the stuffed animal from the car and then went around the warehouse posing him on different pieces of equipment. He worked with hammers:
He drove a forklift,
and he built a box.
There were half a dozen pictures that he got to share with our little boy. I wish I had a photo of my son’s face when he saw all the pictures of what his little toy had done throughout the day. It was equal parts awe and playing it cool like “of course my hippo can do all those things”.
We will definitely never forget the day the hippo went to work with daddy!
Such a simple thing to do, but it’s absolutely thrilling for the little ones! Brings a little bit of magic into their day!
Have you ever sent a favorite doll or toy to work with your husband? Are you going to try now? I bet your kids would love it!
Lauren Tamm says
I love this idea! How completely cute is bringing a stuffed animal to work and taking pictures of it. I would’ve never thought of that. Definitely going to file that idea away for later!
Rachel R. says
What an amazing idea! Although I don’t think my daughter could part with her bunny for long enough!
Keri says
How cute! What a great idea! I think it’s important to find special ways to make our children smile, even if it’s just saying “yes” when “no” is easier.
Corey says
My oldest granddaughter gave me her favorite stuffed animal for when I travel. She has really enjoyed it! She is 9 now and we have been doing it for over 3 yrs.
Louise says
This is a lovely idea. I haven’t taken my daughter’s stuffed animal to work, but we have taken a number of photos of her bunny on vacation – ie: drinking fancy coffee; hanging out in trees; riding large stuffed bisons etc….) It’s fun :)
Stephanie Kay says
What a wonderfully sweet idea! Such a GOOD daddy! Thanks for sharing via Family Fun Friday.
Melody says
I love this idea. We’re doing it…..well, maybe not tomorrow since it involves her Daddy preaching a funeral and that might be uhh..ya know, sorta disrespectful and all. Ha! Excuse me but could I set this pink puppy dog on the casket for a quick second. But no, seriously, I love this and think my daughter would love this idea too.
Lucy Bishop says
What a totally adorable idea! Xxx
Diane says
One special dad there. My son had lamb chop and went every where, on trips, even a cruise. He slept with it every night. I guess I was lucky I didn’t have to talk to lamb chop. My MIL gave it to him for one bd and we still have it, tucked away. Had to add some new hands as they wore out. I feel he needed Lamb Chop. While my husband’s cousin’s husband thinks it is gay for boys to have stuffed animals. I feel it was an important to my son’s life.
Jennifer McCrory says
That was an great idea for Dad to do this for his son! He will never forget it and it maybe the beginning of a family history of favorite “stuffeds” going to work and learning the ropes. Awesome! God bless you and your family!