When Rob Kenney was just 14 years old, his life took a heartbreaking turn. His father walked away, leaving him and his siblings without a parent to rely on for the everyday lessons and guidance that shape young lives. Decades later, Kenney transformed that painful experience into a source of hope and comfort for others.

In April 2020, during the early days of the pandemic, he launched a YouTube channel called “Dad, How Do I?” with a simple yet profound mission: to teach basic life skills and share fatherly advice with anyone who needed it.

From Tutorials to “Dadvice”

At first glance, the videos are straightforward tutorials. Kenney demonstrates practical skills such as tying a tie, unclogging a drain, fixing a leaky faucet, or checking the oil in a car. Yet, what quickly set his channel apart was the warmth behind each lesson.

Rather than simply showing how to perform a task, Kenney frames each video with kindness and encouragement. His calm tone, reassuring presence, and occasional reflections on life struck a chord with millions of viewers around the world.

“People don’t just come for the how-to,” Kenney explained in interviews. “They come because they feel like they’re spending time with a dad who cares.”

Filling a Void for Millions

The response was overwhelming. Within weeks, “Dad, How Do I?” went viral, attracting subscribers not just for the content, but for the comfort Kenney provided. Many viewers admitted they had grown up without a father figure, lost their parents, or felt distanced from their families. For them, Kenney’s channel became more than a resource—it became an emotional lifeline.

Social media comments under his videos often read like heartfelt letters: “I never had a dad to teach me these things, and now I feel like I do,” wrote one subscriber. Another confessed, “Watching you tie a tie made me cry—I finally felt like someone cared enough to show me.”

A Message of Imperfection and Presence

Kenney insists his role is not about perfection. Instead, his philosophy is rooted in showing up, sharing what you know, and caring enough to offer encouragement.

“You don’t have to be perfect to be a parent or a mentor,” he often says. “You just need to be there.”

That message resonates far beyond household repairs. It has reminded millions that love, consistency, and presence matter more than flawless execution.

A Global “Dad” for the Digital Age

Today, Rob Kenney is affectionately known as the “Internet’s Dad.” His channel boasts millions of subscribers, and his influence has expanded into books and speaking engagements. Yet, he remains grounded in his original purpose: providing the care he once longed for as a child.

What began as a small YouTube experiment has become a global movement, proving that even in a digital age, the simplest acts of kindness and guidance can make an extraordinary impact.