Time With Dad Poem: Adventure, Love, and Lasting Memories
Updated: Sep 26
When Quality Time Is All You Have — Make It Count
This poem is inspired by my wonderful great niece, Tegan, and her special bond with her dad. I don’t get to see her often , mainly holidays , because they live far away and her dad served in the military. But every time I see photos of the two of them together, I feel such joy. The Time With Dad poem is about adventure, love, and lasting memories.
They both love the outdoors, and horses have always been a part of their world. My sister-in-law has owned horses for as long as I’ve known her, and those gentle animals have become part of the family too. Tegan and her dad go horseback riding, camping, fishing doing the kinds of things that make memories last a lifetime.
Military families often don’t have the luxury of quantity time but when they’re together, they make it count. This poem is for them and for every child who knows how special it is just to spend time with Dad.
Time with Dad
Hat, jeans, and boots
Tegan wakes her dad with “Hoots.”
When saddling the horses, dad gave a yawn
Then, set off at the break of dawn.
She couldn’t wait to see
Rivers, flowers, and birds in the tree
A picnic on the ground
With no one else around
Stopping to set camp at mid-day
They’d fish, hike, and play.
Later, they’ll go through their sacks.
To prepare their dinner and snacks.
By the fire, her dad would sing a song
She’ll laugh and sing along
Smores made by the fire
Next, it’ll be time to retire
Take down the camp in the morning light
Riding back will be a delight
Spending this time with dad
Will be the best she ever had
From Kid Moments: Poems for Early Readers
Part of the Life Moments Series
© 2025 Deborah Ann Martin. All rights reserved.
Reflection on My Time with Dad Poem
This poem reminds us that presence means more than presents.
When families are separated because of military service, distance, or busy lives, the time they do spend together becomes sacred. You don’t need big events or fancy trips. Sometimes, a horse ride, a campfire, and some s’mores are all it takes to make a child’s heart full.
If you’re a parent, grandparent, or family member, let this be your reminder to carve out a few simple, quiet moments. Go outside. Take a walk. Sit by the fire. Sing songs. Even a short day or weekend like this becomes a memory that children will hold forever.
The Style Behind the Words
Poetry Style Name: Narrative Rhyming Poem
Structure and Form: 5 quatrains (20 lines), AABB rhyme scheme
Tone: Warm, adventurous, heartfelt
Poetic Devices:
Imagery: Horses, sunrise, rivers, fire, snacks, campsite
Sensory Language: Taste of s’mores, sounds of singing, visuals of nature
Repetition: Reinforces routine and comfort
Theme: Father-daughter bonding, making memories, quality time outdoors
Reading Level: Perfect for elementary-age readers and bedtime reading
Explore More Kid Moments
Time with Dad brought back memories of special days with your family, you’ll find more in Kid Moments: Poetry for Early Readers. It’s a book filled with real kids, real experiences, and moments that will make you smile.
About the Life Moments Series
Kid Moments is part of the Life Moments Series, a collection of poetry books that highlight the little things that make life meaningful from learning and laughing to growing and letting go
Discover Loving Moments, Love and Heartache Moments, and Kid Moments , collections filled with poems written from the heart, for every stage of life.
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References
Kid Moments: Poems for Early Readers. Deborah Ann Martin, 2025.
Deborah Ann Martin Amazon Author Central Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/deborahamartin
About the Author:
Deborah Ann Martin is the founder of Surviving Life Lessons, a published author, poet, speaker, and trainer with over 20 years of management experience across multiple industries. An MBA graduate, U.S. veteran, single mother, and rare cancer survivor, Deborah brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her writing on resilience, leadership, personal growth, and overcoming adversity. Her mission is to empower others with practical wisdom and real-life insight to navigate life’s challenges with strength and purpose.
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