Skip to content

You are using an outdated browser

Internet Explorer is not supported by this site and Microsfot has stopped releasing updates, therefore you may encounter issues whilst visiting this site and we strongly recommend that you upgrade your browser for modern web functionality, a better user experience and improved security.

Upgrade my browser

Internet’s ‘Dad, How do I…’ – encouraging and empowering young viewers to try something new

3 min read

Good Stuff
Internet’s ‘Dad, How do I…’ – encouraging and empowering young viewers to try something new
Source: Facebook/Dadhowdoi

Rob Kenney grew up without a dad, but having raised two children of his own, he decided to help others by becoming a virtual father-figure through his YouTube channel, “Dad, how do I?”

Fatherly advice and bad jokes for those who don’t have dad to turn to

Many dads are seen as handymen by their children, on-call 24/7 for any unexpected challenges whenever something breaks down. But not everyone is fortunate enough to have such a father-figure on speed dial. Luckily, a man named Rob Kenney is helping to solve this issue and more with his YouTube channel, “Dad, How Do I?” On his wholesome channel, Kenney doles out fatherly wisdom to his viewers, tells them he’s proud of them, and regularly cracks cringeworthy dad jokes for added authenticity.

Tool Tuesday: Every Tuesday, Kenney shows how to use different tools from his house.
YouTube star blends how-to with heart in his ‘Dad, How Do I?’ videos. Tool Tuesday: Every Tuesday, Kenney shows how to use different tools from his house. Source: Facebook/Dadhowdoi

Rob Kenney offers “Dadvice” for Everyday Tasks and Successful Living

It’s been said that you can find just about anything on YouTube. Maybe even the dad you never had – or at least the fatherly advice and affirmation.

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’s own father walked out of his life when he was just 14 years old and he had to deal with the aftermath of that abandonment. 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, unclog a sink, put up shelves, or change a tyre. Today, his channel has ballooned into more than 4 million subscribers who like his wholesome, authentic style. 

Source: MyModernMet

Rob started a family with his wife, Annelli, that includes their 27-year-old son, Kyle, and 30-year-old daughter, Kristine Ponten.
Kenney is happily married, with two adult children. Rob started a family with his wife, Annelli, that includes their 27-year-old son, Kyle, and 30-year-old daughter, Kristine Ponten. Source: Facebook/dadhowdoi

Kenney wants to encourage, empower and instil confidence in his audience

In a sea full of “How To” videos, Kenney’s rises to the top because of the underlying warmth and simplicity. While some creators try every trick to get viewers to subscribe to their channel, Kenney doesn’t even mention it. He records on his Samsung Galaxy phone and uses the free version of a video-editing software. His daughter, meanwhile, helps handle his Facebook and Instagram pages, manages his P.O. box and helps plan different ideas for the videos.

To Kenney, perhaps the most notable differentiator is his holistic approach: He’s less concerned about people possessing specific skills and more interested in teaching his audience how to learn. He aims to encourage, empower and instil confidence in his viewers. “There’s so much more to being a dad or a mom than just fixing things,” he says. “You have to share your heart with your kids.”

Last Father’s Day, his followers mailed him scores of cards (some handmade, many heartfelt). 

Source: WashingtonPost 

He wanted to provide practical advice (“How to fix most running toilets”) and emotional support (“I am proud of you!”). But in a time defined by isolation and loneliness, his messages resonated with far more than the 30 or 40 subscribers he expected as the world craved connection. Less than two months after his first post, he surpassed 1 million subscribers. Today, Kenney has over 4 million. We’re proud of you, Dad.
Kenney released his first video shortly after the coronavirus pandemic was declared. He wanted to provide practical advice (“How to fix most running toilets”) and emotional support (“I am proud of you!”). But in a time defined by isolation and loneliness, his messages resonated with far more than the 30 or 40 subscribers he expected as the world craved connection. Less than two months after his first post, he surpassed 1 million subscribers. Today, Kenney has over 4 million. We’re proud of you, Dad. Source: Facebook/Dadhowdoi

Where to find the internet’s Dad

In addition to his YouTube channel, and two popular websites, Kenney has written a new book, "Dad, How Do I?: Practical Dadvice for Everyday Tasks and Successful Living”. It’s part life-story, part advice and part-DIY, with 50 practical guides and helpful line drawings. He also has product endorsements and possibly a TV show in the works. You can email to dadhowdoi@gmail.com

Internet’s Dad | Dad, How Do I? Rob Kenney, aka the “Internet’s Dad,” decided to become the role model he never had after his own father left him in his early teens. His “Dad, How Do I” video series and channel teaches viewers how to do everyday “adulting” tasks like cooking and changing a tire. Kenney is now a Dad to more than 4 million children (subscribers) on YouTube. Source: YouTube/60 Second Docs
Make an Impact

THE COURSE ALL SCHOOLS SHOULD BE TEACHING... HAPPINESS LESSONS

Sure, mathematics are important, but it is way more important to learn how to be happy! Merijn teaches happiness to middle school kids. Learn all about the Happiness lessons. Here you can download the guide for the happiness lessons as PDF, now in English, Dutch, Italian, Czech, Turkish and other languages.