After sharing his 7-year-old daughter’s impressive to-do list online, a proud dad, Chris Palermo from Stanhope, New Jersey, received an unexpectedly overwhelming response.
As a father of four, including three boys (Sean, 17, Jake, 15, and Colin, 12), Chris has his hands full. But his youngest, Ella, is a whirlwind of creativity. “She is a creator,” he explains, always engaged in painting, writing, or building something new.
The reason behind Ella’s to-do list? She wanted to show her dad all the things she’d accomplished, saying, “I wanted to show you all the stuff I accomplished.”
u/NuevoJerz
Being organized can be beneficial, with studies—even from Psychological Science—linking it to healthier choices and generosity. However, an organized environment can also spark creativity, making Ella’s list even more fascinating.
Ella crafted her list towards summer’s end and looks at it daily to check off tasks. Chris was particularly charmed by the first item, simply labeled “checkbox.” He noted, “That’s a micro goal—something simple to motivate her. Brilliant!”
The list features a mix of everyday tasks like “do the dishes again,” enjoyable activities such as “play with dolls,” and creative pursuits like “blow bubbles.”
Sharing this sweet slice of family life, Chris posted the list on Reddit under the name u/NuevoJerz. “With four school-aged kids, I’m often surprised by the things I miss,” he reflected. “I thought others would find it adorable too. We could all use a little extra joy.” The post resonated widely, generating over 32,000 upvotes.
Many commenters noted the delightful blend of productivity and joy in Ella’s list. One user remarked on its balance, while Chris pointed out, “It’s a reminder for adults to enrich our to-do lists with moments of joy too.” He hopes that Ella’s simple yet fulfilling approach inspires others to reconsider the importance of happiness within responsibilities.