Want to surprise my 3 yr. old son DADDY is coming HOME, but how???

Marissa - posted on 04/23/2011

We were doing our usual routine and we were at a build and grow thing on a Saturday at Lowe's like we always do and the kids had their back to the door. He walked in and stood behind them it was hysterical because my kids looked at him said " hi daddy" and went back to building then realized about 30 seconds later that daddy was there and they started screaming that daddy was home it was so cute

Adrianne - posted on 03/25/2011

Thanks everyone for the great ideas and advice! :)

Jane - posted on 03/24/2011

Locally in our military town, Dad tends to show up at school or daycare, and there often seems to be a news photographer or a TV station cameraman there. However, with a three year old it might be better if Mom is there with Dad.You could always take your son to one of his favorite places, the park, the library, Chuck E Cheese, or whatever. Then while he is busy playing, Daddy can sneak up and join you. Big surprise when your son looks around for you or comes back to the table for pizza.

Jaime - posted on 03/24/2011

Theres this show on lifetime called "coming home" you should take a look at that show, they will give u soo many good ideas..im so excited for you and im sure anything u do your baby will be so surprised!! good luck girl

Jessica - posted on 03/24/2011

All of these ideas are great... but be prepared for your child to act strange around daddy at first. Some kids don't, but ALOT of kids do. Tell him/her that daddy is coming home soon, and read books about daddy being gone and coming home. (Military One Source has some for free, and they have other suggestions too.) I do homecoming briefs for both families and sailors. The biggest thing that we talk about his how to approach their small child when they come home. Talk to your husband about this, and remind him to get down to the child's level and don't try to pick him/her up right away unless they want him to.
I like the idea of the Easter Bunny, but not if dad is in the costume. A 3 year old still thinks the Easter Bunny is real, so that could go bad. But you could tell him/her that the bunny is coming soon too, and that maybe he will bring daddy home! We told my son that the captain was bringing daddy home for his 4th birthday and he was super excited about that. It helps that I work for the captain too, and my hubby was one of the first off the ship. But I think my son was more excited about the tour of the ship then about Daddy being home. LOL.

Lindsay - posted on 03/24/2011

Watch Coming Home on Lifetime (it's on after Army Wives). It's a new show all about surprise military homecomings... you'll get tons of ideas! Having your husband just hiding behind a car, putting him in a giant box and being delivered to your house as gift from him to your child (Daddy calls and tells the kid on the phone he's sending them a big present and it'll be there soon. It was soooo cute on the show!), surprising them at school (not so idea with a 3 year old, but you get the idea). :)

Lisa - posted on 03/24/2011

call your local fire dept. and see if they will come and give daddy a ride to the house with the sirens going. if it is near easter, have a costume of the easter bunny for daddy or one of the firemen.

CaryAnn - posted on 03/23/2011

I surprised my oldest twice with Daddy coming home from army related service. the first time he was due home at her bedtime so I just went through our regular routine (his dad was picking him up from the airport) He came in JUST as I was telling her to go to bed! She was so wired! It took me an hour to get her to bed that night and she had school the next morning but it was worh it! she was so excited!
Then a year or so later I surprised the oldest and our son who was almost a year with daddy coming home on leave from Iraq. I took them to their aunt's home (she was in on it) and said that I had an appointment to get to. so Daddy and I showed up to get the kids. it was really fun both times.
Nothing as dramatic. Just fun.

Natasha - posted on 03/21/2011

Ummm...u could always be out at a park or something and have daddy come up. Your little one will totally not expect it. Or take your little one to his/her fav. spot and have daddy show up or waiting there! I think anything u come up with your baby will be happy to see daddy! Good luck!!