Dad Who Grew Up Without A Father Starts YouTube Channel For Learning Basic Skills

It can be hard to manage life without someone guiding you along the way. As much as there are certain things we can only learn by ourselves, there is tons of information that we get that's passed down between generations.

On dad took it upon himself to create his own YouTube channel "Dad, how do I?" that teaches skills you'd normally "ask your dad" about. He was inspired to share the skills he himself had wished he received when growing up.

Plenty Of Kids Don't Grow Up With Two Parents

dad holding small child on his shoulders while staring out at pretty lake view
Photo Credit: Brittani Burns / Unsplash
Photo Credit: Brittani Burns / Unsplash

Those with an absentee parent miss out on the things they would have taught them as they grow up.

So, this dad made a channel for people who (for whatever reason) have missed out on specific "dad lessons". Spoiler alert: it's the cutest thing ever.

ADVERTISEMENT

How This YouTube Channel Went Viral

ADVERTISEMENT
Rob Kenney showing his subscribers how to tie a tie in front of a mirror
Photo Credit: Dad, how do I? / Youtube
Photo Credit: Dad, how do I? / Youtube
ADVERTISEMENT

In April of 2021, Rob Kenney, 55, started a YouTube channel called "Dad, How Do I?"

ADVERTISEMENT

The channel grew from zero subscribers to 400,000 in a matter of weeks. A series of tweets and TikToks about him and his channel went viral, and now he has more than 3 million subscribers.

ADVERTISEMENT

This Channel Has Potential To Win An Award As "The Most Wholesome YouTube Channel Ever"

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
rob kenney smiling happily at the camera wearing an apron
Photo Credit: Dad, how do I? / Youtube
Photo Credit: Dad, how do I? / Youtube
ADVERTISEMENT

The channel features basic lessons that are stereotypically passed down from a father to a child, like "how to shave your face" or "how to use a stud finder."

ADVERTISEMENT

This way, those who grew up without a dad have a friendly face to rely on for some practical life lessons. He even opens each video with a cheery "Hey, kids!" I'm not crying, you are!

ADVERTISEMENT

Kenny's Story

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
back shot of man in jean jacket on beach looking down at the ground
Photo Credit: Lucas Sankey / Unsplash
Photo Credit: Lucas Sankey / Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

According to a recent interview he did with Shattered magazine, when he was just 14, Kenney's dad abandoned him and his siblings.

ADVERTISEMENT

After his dad left, Kenney moved in with one of his older brothers.

ADVERTISEMENT

Kenny's Kids Have All Left The Nest

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
two parents wearing vans shoes with a pair of baby vans on the table in front of them
Photo Credit: Julian Hochgesang / Unsplash
Photo Credit: Julian Hochgesang / Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

Kenny has since gotten married and raised two children of his own, and both are all grown up now.

ADVERTISEMENT

His daughter, Kristine, 27, works with young kids. His son, Kyle, works as a software engineer.

ADVERTISEMENT

Why He Created The Channel

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
detailed graphic of youtube application icon for iPhone
Photo Credit: Alexander Shatov / Unsplash
Photo Credit: Alexander Shatov / Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

Kenney said that he wanted to leave a legacy, particularly for those who struggle with a broken family or absent parent.

ADVERTISEMENT

The videos cover many topics, such as: checking the oil, checking your tire pressure, and how to fix a running toilet. Other examples are how to tie a tie and how to iron a dress shirt. Another thing about Kenny: he NEVER misses the opportunity to tell a good dad joke.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Dad, How Do I?"

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Many people have been overcome with the sweet purity of Kenney's channel. Some of his subscribers even call him Dad, or YouTube Dad!

ADVERTISEMENT

Not only is the channel extremely heartwarming, but it also hits home for a lot of people whose father isn't present in their lives. The channel can also help those whose fathers have passed or if your dad isn't exactly "handy."

ADVERTISEMENT

The Channel Is All About Teaching Everyday Tasks, But It's Also More Than That

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
screenshot of Dad, how do I? youtube video where Kenny shows his subscribers how to fix a running toilet
Photo Credit: Dad, how do I? / Youtube
Photo Credit: Dad, how do I? / Youtube
ADVERTISEMENT

Kenny wants his channel to be about everyday tasks (like fixing a toilet). But, in an interview, he mentioned that he also would like to pass along some of the wisdom that he's learned along the way to encourage people.

ADVERTISEMENT

He originally thought that the channel was just going to be showing people how to do stuff, but it’s resonating with people on a whole different level.

ADVERTISEMENT

From "Dad Chats" To "Tool Tuesdays"

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Video screenshot of Rob Kenney thanking his subscribers in a video titled
Photo Credit: Dad, how do I? / Youtube
Photo Credit: Dad, how do I? / Youtube
ADVERTISEMENT

The channel covers a variety of topics, but one of the most popular topics is "dad chats," where Kenny gives advice to his subscribers.

ADVERTISEMENT

He recently made an innocent video titled "I'm proud of you," to thank his subscribers. Some people have never even heard from a parent.

ADVERTISEMENT

He Just Wants To Help People

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
large male fist giving a small baby fist a fist bump
Photo Credit: Norbert Hentges / Unsplash
Photo Credit: Norbert Hentges / Unsplash
ADVERTISEMENT

"I'm a bit of an emotional wreck," he admitted. And all I can say to that is: "dude, same here."

ADVERTISEMENT

He acknowledges that the pain is pretty real in our world, and hopefully, his channel will help alleviate some of it. You can subscribe to his channel here.