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Not every person has a father figure around them while growing up. Because of this, they don’t have someone to call when the typical “dad problems” arise—like how to change a tire or hang a shelf. That’s where Rob Kenney comes in. His popular Dad, How Do I? YouTube channel is full of practical advice, how-tos, as well as dad chats and stories that will help people grow and learn—and maybe even feel like they have a father figure in their life. (Even if it’s only for five minutes.)
Kenney comes from a place of authenticity as he gives advice. He knows what it’s like not to have a dad in your life. When Kenney was young, his parents got divorced and his mom was declared legally unfit to take care of him and his siblings. His dad was in charge but soon got a girlfriend and essentially ignored his family; Kenney’s dad would stock up on groceries for his brood and then leave for a week at a time. A year later, he declared that he was done raising kids and was out of Kenney’s life. The boy was just 14 years old.
Kenney had to deal with the aftermath of that abandonment. He moved in with his 23-year-old brother and new sister-in-law in a small trailer in Bellevue, Washington. Reeling from this loss, Kenney was angry and confused. But one thing became crystal clear: he would never let his kids go through the same type of pain that he did.
When he became a dad himself, Kenney’s goal was to raise them into good adults. He did that, raising a daughter and a son, but he still felt like he had more to give. That was the impetus for Dad, How Do I? Kenney began it during the start of the pandemic, showing viewers how to tie a tie and unclog a sink. But years later, his channel has ballooned into nearly 4 million subscribers who like his wholesome, authentic style.
Kenney is less concerned with getting new subscribers and more interested in leaving his viewers feeling encouraged and empowered to try something new. It’s the type of confidence that comes from having a parent be there for you as you grow and learn. In that case, it’s no wonder he’s called the Internet’s Dad.
Watch some of Kenney’s most popular videos below, and follow him on his YouTube channel for even more.
When Rob Kenney was 14 years old, his dad abandoned his family.
Knowing what it was like to grow up without him, he is helping other people not to feel so alone through his popular YouTube channel called Dad, How Do I?
It features practical advice, how-tos, as well as dad chats and stories that will help people grow and learn—things you might learn from your dad.
The channel has ballooned in popularity over the past two years. Kenney now has nearly 4 million YouTube subscribers.
He is less concerned, however, with getting new subscribers and more interested in leaving his viewers feeling encouraged and empowered to try something new.
It’s no wonder he’s called the Internet’s Dad.
Rob Kenney: YouTube | Facebook | Instagram
h/t: [Upworthy, The Washington Post]
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