There’s no tougher job than being a parent, or so they say. The Pew Research Center analysis backs it up; it turns out that parents find caring for their children to be much more exhausting than the work they do for pay. Paradoxically, they also find much more meaning in the time they spend with their children than in the time they spend at work.
But when it comes to American fathers, they seem to devote significantly less time than mothers to rearing their children, this research suggests. But in order to see how rewarding fatherhood really is, and how much happiness it brings to dads and children out there, we rolled up some of the most wholesome examples.
Scroll down below, upvote your favorite ones, and be sure to share your thoughts about the best job in the world—being a dad—in the comments!
This post may include affiliate links.
If This Dad Isn't One Of Us He Should Be
my dad will never accept me as his trans son, this channel makes me tear up a little
I’m blessed to have had a wonderful dad but by the time I was old enough to learn from him he was so sick he was sort of limited. However he taught me so much and I couldn’t be happier to see other dads taking initiative to help those without. I lost my dear father March 6th of last year. I was the only one with him as he took his last breath because of COVID restrictions. (He didn’t have covid btw) Cherish your parents folks. Especially if you are blessed to have good ones. Much love to all ❤️
He is truly a lovely man. I'd put him right up there with Mr. Rogers.
This Little Heart On My Hand Is Called A "Cuddle Button". Since My Wife Died Last Year, My 4y/O Daughter Has Hated Being Away From Me. Her Teacher Draws This On Both Our Hands When I Drop Her Off At School And Every Time We Press It, It Sends A Hug To The Other. It Helps Her Feel Connected To Me.
There is a bracelet called "Bond Touch". You can actually send touches to one another. You touch your bracelet, your partners bracelet lights up and vibrates in the same rhythm you touched yours. It was originally designed for people who live in a long distance relationship. Two people connect their bracelets via Bluetooth and an app to their smartphones and send each other little "I am thinking about you"s that you can physically feel. It's beautiful and maybe something he could use with his doughter when she's old enough for a smartphone :)
My Six Year Old Daughter Has Been Asking For Months To Have A Mohawk Like Her Daddy. I Cut It For Her Today. My Kid Is A Right Badass.
So badass! Just wait until she asks for her first battle axe and and tattoo.
To find out more about the challenges of fatherhood and the joys that come with it, we reached out to Ricky Willis, the Kingston upon Hull-based author of the money-saving website Skint Dad. Being a dad to daughters Daniella and Chloe, Ricky had a lot to share about it. Ricky believes that fatherhood transforms a man in significant ways. “There is a whole new sense of responsibility and pride. I haven’t been able to place my finger on it until recently but I have started to realize how fragile life is and how much I want to ensure my girls are protected,” he explained.
The Struggle Is Real. Men's Bathrooms Need Changing Tables.
I hate sexist bathroom. I went into a woman’s bathroom once cause we had a massive blowout and apologized to a woman who needed to use one of the stalls and she said “I don’t care if you don’t care” and proceeded to use the bathroom while I changed my kid!
I have had to change baby diapers in my truck because of this. No fun in winter.
Designers need to start making a couple of family bathrooms in every restroom area that are for any person who has children, as an individual room with space for strollers and at least two changing tables.
They need to start making toilets unisex. Just make all the stalls the same (men can pee in them as they do at home) and put changers there. It would solve a lot ofnissues at the same time. Like fathers/mothers not being able to acompany their daughter/son to the toilet, the changing stations or the fact that women need more the toilet than men.
Load More Replies...Amen! I hate the old stereotype that men don't know how or shouldn't be changing the diapers of their little ones.
Completely agreed. There are family restrooms in some stores, but not all of them and it's really unfair to fathers.
already did this myself by putting my kid on the ground. no wonder why people do this on restaurant table
Restaurant table is inconsiderate qnd disgusting
Load More Replies...Definitely! We have unisex "parenting bathrooms" at shopping malls in my area, and failing that the disabled toilet always has a fold out nappy changing table. (Some of those parenting bathrooms are frigging amazing, by the way. Comfy armchairs for nursing, play area for older siblings - the works! I wish everyone had access to that level of comfort and convenience).
Here we have the changing room separate from the bathrooms, so basically anyone can go in and change a baby's diaper. No need for gender control.
Let's Do This Shit
Only a true Dad can wear a dress for his little and rock it like this. You will receive FULL APPRECIATION for your deeds and this moment captured in about 30 years...
I like the bada** look they both have like...don't mess with us.
His daughter is going to look back on this photo one day and have some amazing memories and a very good laugh. Dad is really rocking that Anna costume.
I Turned My Son’s Wheelchair Into A Digger For Halloween!
Keep it up. He could be a digger or anything else every day of the year
Kids in leg braces or wheelchairs are at a disadvantage socially - mostly due to the ignorance (not knowing) of parents who dont fully understand how mean (because they also dont know) kids can be. This costume not only made this adorable little guy feel so incredibly cool for A night, it also opened the door to encourage him to be whatever he wants to be, regardless of perceived limitations.
“I think the two main challenges are to be present and to be a good role model. I started out as a dad in a very bad place financially and I never want our children to be in the same position,” he said. Ricky added that he and his wife Naomi are very open and honest with them about money, “which I hope will give them a good education and grounding for when they need to make financial decisions of their own.”
“Having someone love you unconditionally is definitely up there for being the most rewarding part of fatherhood. There is nothing better than having my kids tell me they love me or look to me for advice. It makes me want to be a better man,” Ricky concluded.
As A Dad, Giving My Daughter The Hairstyle That Makes Her Feel Like A Queen Always Is A Win In My Book.
My 11 Month Old Took His First Steps Today, Safe To Say I Handled It Quite Manly
Get yourself together! Can't hug yer kid as a puddle!
Load More Replies...I may be lesbian myself but honestly, even I know that THIS is truly the most manliest thing - to be there caring for your child and shedding happy tears over each milestone in their life, unafraid to show emotion. So beautiful to see, and that little kid is going to grow up surrounded by so much love and positivity and will become a wonderful person in adulthood. :)
Being „Manly“ doesn’t mean always being tough, its being human. Humans have emotions
Just Won A Year Long Custody Battle. Mom Left State With The Little One. She Returns Today. Hope She Likes It.
There's an update on the Reddit post. But the short answer is, she was very happy and she clearly loves her daddy.
Load More Replies...Yup. It hurts the kids way more than the other parent. My parents divorced when I was 4, but they stayed friends and lived in the same house the majority of my life. It was great for me and sister. My grandmother on the other hand was not as lucky as us. From the time she was 5 until about 16 years old, she was stolen back and forth by her parents. Her mom would take her and move away, her dad would find her and steal her back, and so on and so forth. My grandma is now 93 years old and she still has trauma from it.
Load More Replies...It's not about winning. This is a nice room, but your child is probably going to be grieving the loss of her other parent. It's a celebration for you but may be mixed feelings for her. Give her space for those feelings.
That is an awesome room. I'm sure she will love it! Best wishes to you.
She's going to love it and remember that forever. That is so sweet and beautiful!!!!
Three Years And Counting!
OMG this brings me to tears. Such a brave little girl. I was diagnosed with breast cancer two weeks ago and I hope for such happy ending
8 years now, Dec 30, 2016 was 5 years ago plus 3 because of the sign. CONGRATS KID! 💕 /srs
Congratulations beautiful! I wish you all the best for a cancer free future!
Lost My Wife To Cancer In August. Pulled Myself Together And Made Costumes For Our Little Ones. It Felt So Great.
I know the story is great, but holy s**t that guy has a nice camera. You don't see that good of quality almost ever.
Really sorry for your collective loss. All my love to you and yours. I know the OG poster can't read this but still. It's all bout love
I Told My Daughter. You Leave Your Shit In The Living Room I Am Going To Try It On
First Pic Is Me And My Dad In 1990. Second Is Us With My Son. Same House, Same Spot, Same Goofy Grins.
bro, where'd you guys get the overalls?? I've been meaning to get some
I'm fortunate enough to have a four generations photo of my daughter, me, my mom, and my grandma. Needless to say, it's precious.
Words Can't Explain How Happy She Makes Me!
I think you make each other equally as happy. I love those seet smiles and oh my, those chubby little cheeks.
Look at that little smiling face! I just felt a burst of endorphins just by looking at this pic!
6months Ago We Had 0 Kids. Now Me And My Husband Have 2. It's Been Insanely Stressful But Insanely Exciting At The Same Time
Can we get a round of applause for this wonderful looking couple? 👏👏👏
One good looking family! I think you did forget to count your two other very furry, four-legged children though.
I didn't even see the babies! I thought they were talking about their dogs!
Proud Dad Moment, First Few Weeks In Home Made Wheel Chair (Born With Disability)
What an amazing and innovative invention for your sweet baby. He will be cruising around in comfort and style.
You should make this commeriel available. Will be a big win for many kids with a disability. Excellent job!
Way to go Dad. Idk why but this something only a Dad could think of, create and make.
OK questions! Is it a remote control or you push/pull the chair? That is really smart, I'm just not sure how the baby would move around since he/she seems still too young. You should really honestly patent stuff like this before posting online. Your onto something there...be smart and use idea properly for good :)
Diaper Brand In Sweden Has The Dad On The Packaging
I'm really glad we're slowly slowly coming to gender equality. Even if it's just little things like the picture on a bag of diapers, it shows we're moving with slow srsly into the right direction
Dads are more "dad" like nowadays. present, emotional and supportive. I am thrilled the stereotype of the violent, alcoholic and absent fathers we had growing up (some, small amount but real). The world will be a better place without dads who turn you into an unfeeling garbage human. This is my experience only and even if one child is encouraged to be great and loved, then this is a victory.
Can guarantee that there are some women out there that see this as an infringement on our ‘womeness’
I wonder if this may have been a special edition, using this exact brand and size right now and no dad on it 🤔
ugh f****d up my comment so here it is again:
"well they got critized for it by some people (mostly women iirc) but it's still there on some packages, just subtle. because i doubt women have this much chest hair.. rofl" msedge-202...67c440.png
Don't Be Jealous Fellas, But My 3 Year Old Made Me Car Soup Today. 10/10 Would Order Again
I can't believe there's not a Lego cereal on the market!
Load More Replies...Now in Car Soup.. can you substitute with electric cars? I wonder if the taste would work 🤔
Oh I had alot of this when mine where younger. I think your kids looks more filling then my kids. A+
My friend’s five year old daughter made him a bracelet out some of her wooden beads. He wears it to work every single day. He said, “When your little girl hands you some beads and says ‘I made this for you, Daddy,’ you thank her and give her a hug and put it on and you wear that sh*t with pride.”
Awww, my 2 year old nephew made me airplane casserole for Christmas. Best meal!
Still Not 100% Sure What I’m Doing But These Past 4 Month Have Been The Best!
As a single parent of two amazing children I can confirm that you will never be 100% sure what you are doing, even when they are in their 20s! And thats perfectly okay! 😊 But you certainly look like you are doing an amazing job 👏 Thats one beautiful and very happy baby 😊
My youngest child is 33, I feel like I know less today than when she was 13.
Load More Replies...You may not be 100% sure what you are doing, but the smile on her face says you're doing awesome!
Any parent who tells you that they are 100% sure what they are doing......is absolutely lying to you.
Look at that Baby smiling and the dad as well. Beautiful photo. You're doing something right. Keep up the good work, Dad. You're doing an amazing job.
awwwww I am crying with how adorable this is 👏👏👏 you are a wonderful father!♥
OMG, why did my baby grow up so fast?? He is 6'2" and will be 18 in June. I'm 5'1 (if I tiptoe a bit) and he will come in the living room and run to sit on my lap sometimes. He's a big galoot but I just wrap my arms tight. If he wants to run to momma I'll always be there to catch him! He's always my baby and my heart!
My Daughter Showed Me That She's Been Writing Every Number When She Gets Bored. So I Dug Up My Very Old Notebook
Wow this is crazy. It’s amazing the things we pass on to our kids
I can relate. So many ways I am like my late Dad. Little things I had no idea about, like leaving a little bit of whatever we were drinking in the bottom of our glass/cup. I kept hearing "Just like your father! It's like he never left" I'll take that as a compliment.
I like the way the daughter spaced things and labeled the tops of the pages. With that kind of progressive improvement, I can't wait to see how the next generation does it.
Our Son Has Sensory Sensitives And Doesn’t Always Like Physical Contact With Others (As A Part Of His Autism). He Surprised Me Yesterday While We Waited For The Bus.
Well crap, tears again. There is nothing sweeter than an unexpected hug from someone who normally has trouble with physical contact.
This is very sweet and no doubt significant. I just want people to know however if your child doesn't hug they still love you. :) You can sometimes find other ways, such as verbal or just reaching out with a finger, making a drawing for each other, things like that.
Six Months Ago I Moved From One Side Of The World To The Other. When I Did, I Left My Wife And Kids Behind. I Facetimed Them Every Day And Worked My Ass Off To Prepare A New Life For Them. They Finally Arrived!
As someone who just did something similar (across a country, not the globe), congratulations!! It’s a wonderful feeling to all be together again and to start a new adventure together!!
Wonderful job-- I cannot imagine how hard that must have been. So happy that they are reunited.
Wow, that has to be so hard. Glad they're finally all together again!
Beautiful! Good job, Dad and congratulations and best wishes for your new adventures
Dads: Buy Your Kid(S), Regardless Of Gender, A Kitchen. I Get More Done When I Ask My Son To “Make Me Lunch” Than Any Other Toy Out There.
This 100%. My son has had his toy kitchen for several years now and he still plays with it. At the weekend he made us pasta.
Mmmmmh! I had hair tie pasta with gummy bears yesterday.
Load More Replies...As the title mentioned gender, my son also has a dolls house that we bought a few years ago. When he first saw it in the shop he had a meltdown as we were trying to leave, he loved playing with the doors. We bought the dolls house. Another thing he still plays with but occasionally throws the dolls down the stairs.
I’ve always advocated for this. The majority of us don’t get married right after high school, so will be on our own for several years—-and even then we will share household responsibilities. So why not teach both boys and girls how to cook, clean, and do at least minor household and car repair? That knowledge will serve them well their entire lives, plus save them money for repairs and food, and help them get their security deposits back for their apartments.
This reminds me of my childhood days and now of my grandsons playing restuarant. Beautiful photo
Everyone has to eat, no matter what gender they are. Cooking isn't just a "female" thing
A friends son was super into playing in his toy kitchen. Well of course he was. His mom loved having a big family that was always over and she'd be cooking. He wanted to be like mom. They owned a sports bar too. So he wanted to be like dad. Their youngest son wanted to paint his room purple when he was 7 so dad painted his room purple. Stop gendering things that don't need gendering.
Found While Cleaning Out Old Photos; They Would All Scream For Food At Once So Best Thing I Came Up With To Do 3 Bottles Simultaneously
Today I Found My Reason Why.
It starts with holding your finger. Then they hold your hand. Then they become independent. "I don't need handholding". Then they figure out there will always be times they will need/really want, to hold your hand....again.
Enjoy every single moment. Time has a way of speeding up when you have a child, I swear it does.
In The Future When Someone Ask What It Was Like To Work From Home In 2020. I'll Just Show Them This Picture.
The gifts we have received during the lockdown have been innumerable
majority of the time , you juss hear, "dada, I wanna sit on you".. amazing individuals
My first son was born in 2017, and I got to see him for one to two hours a day during the week. My second was born in 2020, and as I had to WFH, I was lucky enough to see him all day every day. As a result, my youngest is a little Daddy's boy lol.
i had to go threw my cousins facebook photos because it looks exactly like him and his daughter.
27 Years Between Photos Of My Daughter And Me. She Is Now A Lady And I’m Still In The Military.
My dad's favorite picture of me is me giving the double bird XD it's his phone ID
I’ve Been A Full Time Single Dad Since November, And Today I Took My Girls To Get Our Nails Done. It Was My First Time And I Love It!
Love this! My son is 18 (and NOT a dad! LOL!) but he's painted his nails for about...three years now? Ever since he dressed up as a "goth" for Halloween and decided he liked the way black nails look on him! They're usually black but he'll do red every once in a while. Oh, and his girlfriend got him a nice, dark gray for Christmas this year. LOL! If he has daughters one day, he'll probably be the one to paint THEIR nails first.
And it looks like daughter on the right shares his style! ☺️
Load More Replies...Dude. You rock. PS: if a man appreciates a good manicure, good for him for bucking stereotypes and living for himself; if a man has no interest in a manicure and is content with rough hands and grit under his fingernails, good for him for bucking stereotypes and living for himself.
Me At Home With My Three Kids All Weekend
-Wellcome to the parendhood. -What? -I SAID WELLCOME TO THE... oh nevermind...
No one thinks of taking up a collection for hearing aids as a baby shower gift. Maybe...🤔
And my family womders why I have a hard time hearing after all these years. 😅 What?
My Daughter Put Her Sandals Inside My Work Shoes So She Could Wear Them And "Be Like Daddy".
Why didn't 4 year old tavi think of this. OH, because I was a DUMB 4 year old
We Drive Past A Mcd’s On The Way To Daycare And She Always Wants To Stop And Get Hash Browns (It’s Expensive And Takes Forever). I Started Saving The Wrappers And Cooking Frozen Ones From Aldis Before We Leave.
What do you mean, Hash Browns?? Is there an other meaning in America? Where I come from Hash Brownies are Brownies with Marihuana in it... Not quite a thing I would like to feed a child... 🤣🤣🤣
It's a breakfast potato dish. It's shredded potatoes stuck together in a patty shape and deep fried, kind of like a latke potato pancake.
Load More Replies...Daughter (2 Years Old) Wanted To Sleep With The Skeleton In Her Room. You Choose Your Battles…
If she asked, and isn't freaked out, run with it. Let the kid explore_life_.
OMG! We got a 3' tall skeleton for Halloween and my 2yo wouldn't let us put it outside. She named him Spooky, and she has brought him to bed with her several times. When we drove to NJ from IL to visit my parents, Spooky had to come with us. Kids are weird.
I Worried Before He Was Born That I Wouldn't Feel Like A Dad Right Away. But It All Hit Me Like A Freight Train As Soon As I Saw Him
My daughter is now three and a half. My husband and I both encouraged skin-to-skin as much as we could the first week after she was born. Even now, she will almost instantly sooth from a tantrum, bad dream, crying fit for absolutely no reason 😅, with a skin-to-skin touch - rubbing her back, stroking her hair, even just holding her hand.
Load More Replies...You will get that same overwhelming feeling as he reaches milestones, when he's happy, when he's sad. Enjoy them and don't blink. They grow up so fast.
That feeling hit me when I saw the first heart beat on the ultrasound. Our first one wasn't planned but he sure as f was the best thing that ever happened to me.
dude, that love when my children were born smacked me right in the mouth as well. it was beautiful.
My mom sometimes looks at me all touchyfeely And then say she Just remembered me as a newborn when dad held me to his chest And I listened to his heartbeat And breath And I was happy And sleeping. True bonding
Tonight Is My First Time Watching The Baby Alone. I Photoshopped This And Sent It To My Wife.
reminds me of that BP post about a dad that did this a whole lot a while ago-
That is AWESOME! You ""PHOTOSHPPED"" this, lol, RRRRIIIIGGGGHHHTTTT...
When You’re Balding, But Your Daughter Wants To Do Your Hair.
I love it! My dad had long hair (shoulder length). I loved the times he let me play with his hair. It was so soft and healthy. Oh how I miss him. 💔
my step dad had long hair and beard. He always let me brush and braid it. I was 13 when he married my mom. He was the best dad a girl could ask for!
Surrounded By Women His Whole Life And Now He Finally Has The Sons He’s Always Asked For
My dad never had any sons, so he introduced his two daughters to video games, sci fi movies and motorcycle racing. I'm a lifelong gaming enthusiast and movie buff, and my sister bought a motorbike and became a big follower of the Australian Grand Prix.
Love this picture, super cute, but isn't the dad a little bit rude to be asking for sons? "The sons he's always asked for"
19 Months Old And Already Has Life Figured Out
My son did this too. Once he figured out how to get the blocks through the right shapes, he was just like "eff this noise", and started taking the lid off.
It's Not Always Easy Being A Single Dad But Sometimes I Get To Experience Some Things Other Dads Might Not [x-Post From Pics]
I offer another independent verification. She is AP (All Princess).
Load More Replies...Whether you know it not, moments like this will play a major role in the type of men your little girl will date in search of similar happiness in her future. Good job.
My 5 yo daughter refers to her father as "Daddy" when he's not around. But when she's talking to him, it's always always always "Dawwy". I hope it always is.
First Time Cutting My Son's Hair
Best Thing I’ve Ever Done.
This is a beautiful photo. My children and now grandchildren are my greatest gifts and bring so much joy. Cherish it and the memories you will make.
Despite The Odds Myself As A Fraternal Twin Graduated With Fraternal Twins.. Couldn’t Be Happier.
identical twins occur when a fertilized egg splits in 2. this means that the twins are genetically the same (same sex, eye color, hair color, face shape, height etc.). fraternal twins, on the other hand occur when 2 eggs are released and both are fertilized. this means that they are not genetically identical (different sexes, eye colors, face shape, height, etc.) they are as similar to each other as any other siblings would be, they were just in the womb together at the same time! (don't be sorry, it's all good!)
Load More Replies...My best friend's father was fraternal twin, she had fraternal twins, her grandson's wife is having fraternal twins.
Here's How My 9-Year Explained Net Neutrality To His Friend
except that is not at all what it is like, that is a modified version of what the lobbying firm that google and facebook hired to promote it. In Theory NN is good, the current version however it not like this, but rather a way to rig the system in favor of the big tech companies
From My Daughters Daycare Today. My Eyes Only Got A Little Bit Sweaty.
This is adorable! I usually got messages from the teacher saying "She peed!!" (my munchkins have neuro related urinary retention) XD
My Construction Worker Dad Friend Let And Kept The Nail Art His 4yo Daughter Gave Him
Our daughters (now 23 & 18) ever since they were little have painted dads toenails. Even though they're all grown up, if he lets them know his toes need to be re painted, a repainting from the girls is what he gets.
My girls used to do my toes when I feel asleep watching TV. Come Y2K and midnite, we're at work watching computer systems (we lived right on the Date line in the Pacific, so we would be first to check if anything went haywire for a bunch of companies around the world) , casual, I had on flip flops forgetting my toes were rainbow colored and got compliments from all the ladies at work...
Airborne
Most people know that women release several hormones that help them bond with their babies. Turns out men release the same hormones and the more time they spend with their children, the more of the hormone they release. So dads who spend lots of time with their kids are really going to benefit from it.
Always spend time with your child, you never know what the future holds.
What an inspirational post. It nice to recognize that it's not just the mother who nurtures the child. Dad's also play a huge role In raising children and bring them happiness. A father's bond is just as important as the mother's. Nice job Dads. Thanks for sharing this post BP. It was a beautiful way to start the day.
I wish my dad liked me, let alone loved me, as much as these dads love their children. I wonder what that's like.
The other day I saw a dad playing with his two little daughters who were both laughing and squealing with delight at his antics. I almost went over to him and said "You know, you remind me of my father". He did, and he reminded me of my brother in law with his little boy as well. A good father is worth... well everything!
Most people know that women release several hormones that help them bond with their babies. Turns out men release the same hormones and the more time they spend with their children, the more of the hormone they release. So dads who spend lots of time with their kids are really going to benefit from it.
Always spend time with your child, you never know what the future holds.
What an inspirational post. It nice to recognize that it's not just the mother who nurtures the child. Dad's also play a huge role In raising children and bring them happiness. A father's bond is just as important as the mother's. Nice job Dads. Thanks for sharing this post BP. It was a beautiful way to start the day.
I wish my dad liked me, let alone loved me, as much as these dads love their children. I wonder what that's like.
The other day I saw a dad playing with his two little daughters who were both laughing and squealing with delight at his antics. I almost went over to him and said "You know, you remind me of my father". He did, and he reminded me of my brother in law with his little boy as well. A good father is worth... well everything!
