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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!

#1

If This Dad Isn't One Of Us He Should Be

If This Dad Isn't One Of Us He Should Be

s1ugg0 Report

#2

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.

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.

slightly-simian Report

#3

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.

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.

KiltedRonin Report

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.

#4

The Struggle Is Real. Men's Bathrooms Need Changing Tables.

The Struggle Is Real. Men's Bathrooms Need Changing Tables.

mk4rim Report

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James016
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amen to that. Though it is getting better. Disabled toilets have changing tables but not everywhere has those

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Rémy Chercuitte
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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!

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Barry Mckokiner
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have had to change baby diapers in my truck because of this. No fun in winter.

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Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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Ozacoter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amen! I hate the old stereotype that men don't know how or shouldn't be changing the diapers of their little ones.

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Terilee Bruyere
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Completely agreed. There are family restrooms in some stores, but not all of them and it's really unfair to fathers.

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SydneyP
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree fully! There’s just as many dads out there as moms changing their babies.

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kjorn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

already did this myself by putting my kid on the ground. no wonder why people do this on restaurant table

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Katie Lutesinger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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).

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Narwhal Blast
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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MJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A dad should should never have to sit on a public toilet just to change his kid’s diaper; just like a Mom should never have to stand in a bathroom stall to nurse her baby. I’m one of those moms who’s not comfortable nursing in public (more power to women who are 💪🏼) but I’m sure i’m not the only one.

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Karla Nelsen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish we could UP vote this a bazillion times! Dads need these!!!

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Briana Landers
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is why my mom always carried around changinf pads. Sometimes womens bathrooms dont even have em.

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Dave P
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Today many do because of both Gay orgs and Single Father orgs which work together.

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EEF🤓
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh that's crazy. Here there is a specific room for disabled/baby changing.

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Cheyenne
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My son said the same thing all the time after his son was born.

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Joe Edwards
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again, in Canada they do. The USA needs to come into the 1st world and 21st century

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Wednesday
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yes. And all bathrooms need coat hooks. On the door, on the stall wall... just put a damn coat hook somewhere in a bathroom.

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Amy Stone-Chandler
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd put babe on blanket to change on floor. Then get bag from business of bathroom to take home to wash.

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Lynn Morello
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My son took 2 of his toddlers into the Baby Change room, to change nappies and clean them up. The lady who was just coming out of the Baby change room called security. After a bit of an arguement, and my son telling them to Call The POLICE if they wanted to, he would wait around, They decided that he had done no wrong and allowed him to leave. But he did put in a big complaint to the center management. There is a notice in ALL Baby change rooms, that these rooms are used by both men and women who are in charge of children needing to use these rooms.

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Frannie Kaplan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Many modern airports have like a stall in between the doors of the female and male bathroom thqt is a unisex changing table. It's 2 walls and a room with a table and a trash bin. ItIt'relly not rocket science. It forces women to take on the role every time

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Kelly Cannon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I work at a Target - we don't have regular bathrooms with multiple stalls - instead, we have two all-gender family restrooms with changing tables. I love how progressive my store is.

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Ana Garfield
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I sure wish they would. Would have been a lot easier on my dad, all dads.

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Stephanie Frey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have no problem if a man came into a woman's bathroom to change a diaper. I would rather he do that than change the poor kid on the floor. Every bathroom should have a changing table.

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Rachael Coleman-Dean
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Men, if you have little ones DO NOT HESITATE to bring them into the ladies room. I can't promise they are much cleaner, but we almost always have a changing station and a picture on the door doesn't mean a thing when it comes to babies.

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Bobby
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I did everything for my children, but changing their diapers.

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Gabrielle Daylano
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here in the Netherlands most times the diaper change stations are in the disabled toilet. Wich is for men and women. Not every where sadly.

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Jamie Walker
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Must be the states, most mens bathrooms have changing tables in the UK

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Lara Verne
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot of places has changing tables separate from bathrooms, so anyone can go there. But it's new. Few years ago, I saw guy who just went to ladies bathroom in restaurant. He said he was sorry, but men's bathroom had no changing table and only other option was putting his kid on the ground.

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Panda Kicki
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hm, I never use changing tables anyway. When they are small I just hold them over the sink and wash gently with water, when they are old enough to stand they can hold the sink while I change. Dont even have a changing table at home.

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#6

I Turned My Son’s Wheelchair Into A Digger For Halloween!

I Turned My Son’s Wheelchair Into A Digger For Halloween!

therichhotdog Report

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“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.

#7

As A Dad, Giving My Daughter The Hairstyle That Makes Her Feel Like A Queen Always Is A Win In My Book.

As A Dad, Giving My Daughter The Hairstyle That Makes Her Feel Like A Queen Always Is A Win In My Book.

Sanchvj11 Report

#8

My 11 Month Old Took His First Steps Today, Safe To Say I Handled It Quite Manly

My 11 Month Old Took His First Steps Today, Safe To Say I Handled It Quite Manly

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#9

Just Won A Year Long Custody Battle. Mom Left State With The Little One. She Returns Today. Hope She Likes It.

Just Won A Year Long Custody Battle. Mom Left State With The Little One. She Returns Today. Hope She Likes It.

Silveravin Report

#10

Three Years And Counting!

Three Years And Counting!

axgop Report

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Katerina Huskova
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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#11

Lost My Wife To Cancer In August. Pulled Myself Together And Made Costumes For Our Little Ones. It Felt So Great.

Lost My Wife To Cancer In August. Pulled Myself Together And Made Costumes For Our Little Ones. It Felt So Great.

needle-nose-ned Report

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#12

I Told My Daughter. You Leave Your Shit In The Living Room I Am Going To Try It On

I Told My Daughter. You Leave Your Shit In The Living Room I Am Going To Try It On

Vaugeresponse Report

#13

First Pic Is Me And My Dad In 1990. Second Is Us With My Son. Same House, Same Spot, Same Goofy Grins.

First Pic Is Me And My Dad In 1990. Second Is Us With My Son. Same House, Same Spot, Same Goofy Grins.

smoffatt34920 Report

#14

Words Can't Explain How Happy She Makes Me!

Words Can't Explain How Happy She Makes Me!

lexluger420 Report

#15

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

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

mdthompson Report

#16

Proud Dad Moment, First Few Weeks In Home Made Wheel Chair (Born With Disability)

Proud Dad Moment, First Few Weeks In Home Made Wheel Chair (Born With Disability)

Iamaspicylatinman Report

#17

Diaper Brand In Sweden Has The Dad On The Packaging

Diaper Brand In Sweden Has The Dad On The Packaging

crashlog Report

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Zedrapazia
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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

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#18

Don't Be Jealous Fellas, But My 3 Year Old Made Me Car Soup Today. 10/10 Would Order Again

Don't Be Jealous Fellas, But My 3 Year Old Made Me Car Soup Today. 10/10 Would Order Again

reddit.com Report

#19

Still Not 100% Sure What I’m Doing But These Past 4 Month Have Been The Best!

Still Not 100% Sure What I’m Doing But These Past 4 Month Have Been The Best!

DavidWallaceSuckIt Report

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LisaMarie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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 😊

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#20

My Daughter Showed Me That She's Been Writing Every Number When She Gets Bored. So I Dug Up My Very Old Notebook

My Daughter Showed Me That She's Been Writing Every Number When She Gets Bored. So I Dug Up My Very Old Notebook

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Tolga ÜSTÜN
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Woa man... Father must be soo proud! No need a paternity test...

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#21

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.

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.

PatPetPitPotPut Report

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#22

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!

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!

nihilo503 Report

#23

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.

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.

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James016
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#24

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

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

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#25

Today I Found My Reason Why.

Today I Found My Reason Why.

Ifixturbines Report

#26

In The Future When Someone Ask What It Was Like To Work From Home In 2020. I'll Just Show Them This Picture.

In The Future When Someone Ask What It Was Like To Work From Home In 2020. I'll Just Show Them This Picture.

helohelo Report

#27

27 Years Between Photos Of My Daughter And Me. She Is Now A Lady And I’m Still In The Military.

27 Years Between Photos Of My Daughter And Me. She Is Now A Lady And I’m Still In The Military.

Edge767 Report

#28

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!

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!

Benzorgz Report

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oli
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Im a man, and i do that when i have the time, i dont see why we should have daughter to enjoy our masculinity 🤣

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#29

Me At Home With My Three Kids All Weekend

Me At Home With My Three Kids All Weekend

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Tolga ÜSTÜN
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

-Wellcome to the parendhood. -What? -I SAID WELLCOME TO THE... oh nevermind...

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#30

My Daughter Put Her Sandals Inside My Work Shoes So She Could Wear Them And "Be Like Daddy".

My Daughter Put Her Sandals Inside My Work Shoes So She Could Wear Them And "Be Like Daddy".

BrainVirus Report

#31

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.

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.

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#32

Daughter (2 Years Old) Wanted To Sleep With The Skeleton In Her Room. You Choose Your Battles…

Daughter (2 Years Old) Wanted To Sleep With The Skeleton In Her Room. You Choose Your Battles…

straws4077 Report

#33

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

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

awkward_rhino Report

#34

Tonight Is My First Time Watching The Baby Alone. I Photoshopped This And Sent It To My Wife.

Tonight Is My First Time Watching The Baby Alone. I Photoshopped This And Sent It To My Wife.

akiddisaster Report

#35

When You’re Balding, But Your Daughter Wants To Do Your Hair.

When You’re Balding, But Your Daughter Wants To Do Your Hair.

Shafter-Boy Report

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Lovin' Life
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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. 💔

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#36

Surrounded By Women His Whole Life And Now He Finally Has The Sons He’s Always Asked For

Surrounded By Women His Whole Life And Now He Finally Has The Sons He’s Always Asked For

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#38

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]

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]

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EEF🤓
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aw she looks so pleased. Can confirm she looks like a little princese

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#41

Despite The Odds Myself As A Fraternal Twin Graduated With Fraternal Twins.. Couldn’t Be Happier.

Despite The Odds Myself As A Fraternal Twin Graduated With Fraternal Twins.. Couldn’t Be Happier.

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Madre_Dr4gnZFly
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so awesome! A couple of friends of mine have fraternal twins due in June!

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#42

Here's How My 9-Year Explained Net Neutrality To His Friend

Here's How My 9-Year Explained Net Neutrality To His Friend

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#43

From My Daughters Daycare Today. My Eyes Only Got A Little Bit Sweaty.

From My Daughters Daycare Today. My Eyes Only Got A Little Bit Sweaty.

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#44

My Construction Worker Dad Friend Let And Kept The Nail Art His 4yo Daughter Gave Him

My Construction Worker Dad Friend Let And Kept The Nail Art His 4yo Daughter Gave Him

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Amber Cook
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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