And although Brian loves to do "dad stuff" like yard work, they have some fun, as well, playing catch or golf or basketball. Dean, who has three daughters and no sons of his own, loves hanging out with Brian, too.
Obviously Dean can't replace his dad, but it's still a wonderful thing. "When Dan gets back, Brian's going to cry and run to him with open arms," she told ABC News.
Her message has been retweeted almost 2,800 times and liked more than 21,000 times.
Well done, Cravens, well done. Here's hoping Brian's dad is back home safe and sound as soon as possible!
While technology helps families stay closer than ever before, it can't replace someone. Nothing really can, but the people who step up do make a huge difference.
It's so amazing to see this kind of support; that's real leadership.
You couldn't ask for better protection!
Just more evidence that first responders are the best kind of people.
Even though she missed her daddy, he still made it a special day for her. For military families, separation is a part of life, but that doesn't make it any easier for kids. But there are some ways to help the little ones cope.
And kids like Brian aren't alone. There are literally millions of kids in America who have parents serving overseas.
Younger kids might be more prone to crying, clinginess, headaches, stomach aches, and nightmares, while older kids might show more aggression and other trouble-making.
But even after just a month apart, kids with deployed parents have reported higher rates of depression.
And it's only getting better, as the experts learn from previous deployments and resources get built up.
Kids are going to have questions — where Mom or Dad is, when they'll be home, and so on — and you need to answer them as clearly and consistently as possible.
That scene in Good Will Hunting was spot on. Kids, especially younger ones, might just assume they've done something wrong. Treat it like their mom or dad is at work, just like going to the office every day.
Kids are great imitators, and they'll follow your lead. The more stressed out you are, the more stressed out your kids are likely to be as well. Talk about your feelings, and encourage your kids to do the same.
That means keeping the same rules of the house as when Mom or Dad is home, and taking regular time together to write emails, make care packages, and even just look at pics together.
There are some great groups out there, like Military Kids Connect or the National Military Family Association, that provide resources for kids who have parents overseas.
That sweet day when the family is reunited doesn't seem so far off when you have great people like that in your life!