Father's Day Interview Booklet

A Father's Day interview booklet records a preschooler's completely honest, completely unedited opinions about their father — and the resulting document is one of the most treasured things a parent can own. "My dad is 47 years old" (he is 34), "My dad is best at sleeping" (probably true), and "My dad makes me feel happy when he tickles me" are the kinds of lines that make adults cry at the breakfast table.

What You'll Need

• Blank folded paper booklets — 3–4 sheets of paper folded in half and stapled
• A pen — for writing the child's answers (adult writes, child dictates)
• Crayons — for illustrations on each page
• A list of interview questions — prepared in advance
• Optional: photos — to print and glue on the cover

Sample Interview Questions

1. How old is your dad?

2. How tall is he?

3. What is Dad's favorite food?

4. What does Dad do at work?

5. What is Dad really good at?

6. What do you and Dad love to do together?

7. What makes Dad laugh?

8. If Dad could have a superpower, what would it be?

9. What is something Dad always says?

10. What do you love most about Dad?

How to Do It

Step 1: Set up the booklet. Fold and staple the paper. Write one question at the top of each page, leaving room below for the answer and an illustration.

Step 2: Conduct the interview. Ask each question and write down the answer verbatim — every word, exactly as said. No editing for accuracy or grammar.

Step 3: Illustrate each page. Children draw a picture related to each answer below the text.

Step 4: Make the cover. The cover should say "[Child's Name]'s Interview with Dad" or "All About My Dad." Add a portrait drawing of father and child together.

Step 5: Read it together at presentation. The reading aloud is part of the gift — let the recipient read each page while the child watches.

Skills Your Child Will Develop

Oral language — Answering questions in complete (or nearly complete) sentences develops expressive language.

Perspective-taking — Thinking about another person's preferences and qualities develops empathy.

Narrative thinking — Organizing answers across a booklet introduces the concept of a narrative with a subject.

Tips & Variations

• Video record the interview for an additional keepsake.
• Add a "predictions" section: "I think Dad will still be my best person when I'm 20."
• Make one for each year — comparing the same answers across ages is extraordinary.

My Two Cents

Do not correct inaccurate answers. The booklet in which a child says their 35-year-old father is 100 and his job is "fixing computers maybe" is infinitely more valuable than an accurate biography.