A DOTING father calls his dyslexic daughter every day from work and bombards her with cheesy dad jokes to cheer her up for school.
Touching video shows Scarlett Drummond, nine, chuckling as her dad regales her with gems such as: “Why do Vampires seem sick? Because they’re always coffin.”
Derek Drummond gets into work early and after his morning meeting always calls Scarlett before she sets off for school.
Going to classes is very tough for Scarlett, from Edinburgh, because she struggles with reading and writing. The calls from her 45-year-old dad help get her over her anxiety.
Video of one of Derek’s calls was shared by his wife, Sarah. She wrote: “Both my daughters are dyslexic like me and my youngest isn’t a fan of the school system.
“She struggles with her reading, spelling and writing so after his morning meeting at work my husband phones her to tell her jokes.
“So every single day starts with a smile and a laugh.”
Other “classics” in the video include: “Why was it windy in the stadium? Because there were hundreds of fans.”
Scarlett is also treated to: “What did the snowman say to the other one? Do you smell carrots?”
Composer for CBBC show The Demon Headmaster, Philip Curran, wrote under Scarlett’s post saying: “Proper Dad jokes. Mind if I nick some of them?”
@tora_burns, using Derek’s nickname, said: “I’ve been in the car some mornings and been subjected to Deek’s jokes. They’re so bad you have to laugh. Deek’s a top Dad.”
@clevercatriona added: “That’s so lovely”.
@LouiseJAdams wrote: “That is so sweet.”
Speaking today Derek, a service manager at a BMW garage, said: “She was finding it difficult and she was down in the mornings because of the dyslexia. I did it just to make her feel good and to help her confidence. It’s also good before work to hear your daughter laugh.
“I’ve been doing it for three months now. She was really anxious to go back to school after the school holidays and she was just about to start a new term. Her dyslexia makes it difficult for her at school.
“I started it off and she seemed to really enjoy it and it’s now become part of the daily routine but not during holidays. She seems to be happier now after doing it.
“I’ve been using the internet to find clean kids jokes and hopefully I won’t run out so I don’t have to start using any dirty jokes.
“The school’s been really good just giving her the extra support she needs.”
