The YouTube Dad Who Stepped In When Millions Needed One

When Rob Kenney was just 14 years old, his world was rocked by abandonment. His father walked out, leaving him to navigate life without the guidance, love, and support of a dad. The emotional scars of growing up without a father figure stayed with Rob for years, shaping who he would become. But rather than letting that pain define him, Rob transformed it into something powerful—a mission to help others who had experienced the same absence of fatherly love.

In 2020, during the isolation of the pandemic, Rob saw an opportunity to turn his pain into purpose. He launched a YouTube channel called “Dad, How Do I?” The premise was simple but deeply meaningful—Rob would create straightforward, easy-to-follow videos teaching life skills that many might take for granted but which so many others were never taught. From learning how to tie a tie to fixing a leaky sink, Rob’s videos covered a wide range of everyday tasks. But these lessons were more than just tutorials—they were acts of love, kindness, and compassion.

For millions who grew up without a dad to turn to for advice or guidance, Rob became the father figure they never had. His gentle, patient voice and encouraging demeanor made him feel like the dad everyone wished they had. His channel became a safe space for men and women of all ages who needed support, and his presence in their lives was a steady source of comfort.

Rob’s impact wasn’t just about teaching practical skills. His videos were reminders that kindness and patience can heal deep wounds. The father he never had, Rob became for others—a guiding hand, an encouraging word, and a steady presence in moments of need. His calm demeanor and willingness to step in for those who felt lost or abandoned made him the internet’s dad, someone who quietly but profoundly changed lives, one how-to video at a time.

Through “Dad, How Do I?” Rob has built a virtual family—one that’s bound not by blood, but by the simple but powerful connection of care and support. He teaches us that family isn’t always defined by who you’re born with; sometimes, it’s the people who show up when you need them the most. Rob Kenney showed up for millions of people who were searching for guidance, and in doing so, he healed not only his own wounds but the wounds of many others as well.

In a world where so many people feel disconnected, Rob’s channel serves as a testament to the fact that even in the absence of a biological father, it’s possible to find love, mentorship, and a sense of belonging. He reminds us all that kindness, compassion, and the willingness to show up can be life-changing.v