In the vast sea of YouTube tutorials, one man, Rob Kenney, has carved out a niche that resonates deeply with those yearning for paternal guidance. With his channel “Dad, how do I?”, Rob has become an internet sensation, amassing over 4.32 million subscribers eager to learn everything a father might teach — from tying a tie to managing finances, and from cooking to car maintenance.
A Void Filled with Compassion and Wisdom
Rob’s journey to becoming the “Internet’s dad” is rooted in his own experiences of abandonment. Growing up, he witnessed his mother’s battle with depression and alcoholism following a divorce, which led to him and his seven siblings being declared wards of the state. Then, at the tender age of 14, Rob’s father left, plunging him into a struggle with anxiety and a vow never to let his future children feel that same void.
Turning Loneliness into a Legacy
As his own children, Kristine, 29, and Kyle, 26, grew up and moved out, Rob found himself facing a new kind of emptiness. It was during the solitude of the Covid-19 pandemic that he found a new purpose: to offer fatherly advice to those without a father figure. “I will do my best to provide useful, practical content on many of the basic tasks everyone should know,” Rob declared as he launched his YouTube venture.
The Power of Kindness and Encouragement
Rob’s straightforward, encouraging approach has struck a chord worldwide. His success, which he never anticipated, underscores the universal craving for genuine, heartfelt guidance. “I don’t think it would have gone viral under any other circumstances,” his daughter observed, highlighting the unique impact of the pandemic on Rob’s rise to fame. “I sincerely believe he was put on this Earth to be a dad.”
The “Internet’s Dad” Reflects on Viral Fame
Rob’s humility and wisdom have earned him the affectionate moniker “Internet’s dad.” Reflecting on his unexpected viral success, Rob mused, “It was terrifying. At first, I didn’t see it as a good thing. Being a father or a mother is so much more than just fixing things. You have to share your heart with your children.”
Today, millions follow Rob’s guidance, thanking him for filling a gap in their lives with his practical advice and fatherly warmth. His story is a testament to the impact one person can have by sharing kindness, wisdom, and life skills with a world in need.
