Becoming a dad is one of the best things that can happen to you. Sure, parenthood is hard, but so is anything worth putting energy into, don’t you think?
Unfortunately, we still have a cultural stereotype of the “doofy dad” who can’t do anything right. The doofy dad loses his kids in the store and doesn’t even know how to change a diaper unless Mom is around. Thankfully, that’s not true to life. Most dads are completely capable of taking care of their kids without any help.
When you’re a dad, there are so many opportunities to teach your kids and to learn from them! Kids teach us how to slow down and appreciate the little things. They teach us how to take pleasure in simple things like a nice day. And goodness knows, they teach us patience!
There are all sorts of ways to be a good dad but no one does it in exactly the same way. Even though these 75 dads all have unique methods of parenting, they’re still winning the Dad of the Year Award. Who ever said that being a parent meant never having any more fun? Definitely not these dads.
This dad was game to be the guinea pig for his two daughters as they practiced their hair and makeup skills. And frankly, that eye and brow job isn’t too bad! These girls might have makeup artistry in their future.
This candid shot of Chris Hemsworth playing around with his little one is total Thor. Working out, goofing around, and being blonde and handsome the whole time? Total god of thunder move.
Consider the coconut, the trunks and the leaves …okay, maybe don’t look too closely. It’s a pretty unique family photoshoot, one that’s bound to embarrass that baby as they grow up.
This style is turning heads all over the playground these days. And no wonder! This father-daughter duo is rocking the look. It’s a bit reminiscent of Rae from Star Wars, isn’t it?
This little girl is a fan of Little Red Riding Hood but she’s not about to play the little girl. Nope, she wants to be the wolf. So, her dad, of course, was game to put on a dress and don pigtails to be Red.
I don’t know how they got both kids, including the baby, to line up and cooperate so perfectly, but this photo is too cute for words. This one will go in the baby books for sure, and probably give these kids a fond memory of their dad.
This tiny, sweet girl has a perfect picnic all laid out for herself and her dad. What’s he going to do, say no? Could you say no to that adorable little face?
This father is heading home on the train with his daughter, probably after a long day at work. But he knows the day isn’t done quite yet. He still has to help his little girl practice reading, an important skill she’ll use her whole life!
All parents love to share their hobbies and interests with their kids, but they’re not usually as intense as this! The best thing about it is her expression of absolute delight — she feels totally safe by his side.
Newborn photo sessions can be tricky. The baby is usually required to be less than two weeks old, and at that age, they want to be held! Luckily, this dad stepped in to help his baby feel comfortable.
A lot of babies don’t like bath time at all, and they’re not shy about letting anyone know! But this baby looks like they’re digging the bubbles. Who wouldn’t, when Dad is playing silly games with them?
12. Everyone wanted to know Dave’s workout secrets
Go ahead, try to do a home workout when you have small kids at home. You’re bound to get some hangers-on. Just tell yourself it’s extra weight training and pretend they’re not there.
13. Just go ahead and play while I catch some Zzzz
Every parent can relate to this picture. We’ve all been tired enough to let our kids climb and play on us if it means they’ll let us take a nap. This is also a free back massage. Everybody wins!
Kids always want to do whatever their parents — usually their dads — do. They just can’t wait until they’re old enough to join in! This dad came up with the perfect solution: providing his kids with unplugged controllers so they can “play”, too.
A toddler doesn’t understand when you tell her that she’s not strong enough to push the cart. She wants to push it, darn it, so you better just let her try. Then you can pretend she’s super strong and go pay for all that toilet paper.
When you’re traveling with children, the journey becomes all about keeping them occupied in any way possible. The change of schedule is apt to lead to overtired, overstimulated, and cranky kids. I’d like him do this, too.
This dad and daughter duo were headed for a big football game, so naturally, she decided to help him get ready and show his team spirit. She did a great job — and he’s proved to be her ultimate fan.
Yup, seems about right. Babies put anything and everything in their mouths for reasons we’ll probably never know. Maybe he just really likes the music?
This little guy must be absolutely thrilled to follow in his dad’s footsteps, or tractor marks, rather. He probably feels as big and strong as Daddy on his cool tractor!
What do you do when your little girl asks for a swing but you don’t have one? If you’re this dad, you’ll turn your own body into a swing. This is some over-the-top love!
This dad is providing a great example for his little girl, showing that she doesn’t have to be big to be a superhero! She’s sure to look back on this photo and love the memory of how her dad encouraged her.
Playing with your kids can cause mixed emotions. For one thing, you love to spend time with them and watch them learn new things! For another, you’re TIRED. Enter: the perfect solution.
Dads and their sons cuddle a lot when the boys are little but not so much once they grow up. But don’t worry, this dad and son find plenty of ways to bond, even though they’re not as young as they once were.
If you’re not making a melon helmet with your kid when you have fresh fruit in the house, you’re not living your best life. After all, we should all try to produce less waste, right?
We’ve all seen the cutesy photos of babies dressed as butterflies, fairies, and angels, but this dad and baby took things to the next level. The best part is that baby’s adorable expression.
This dad knows how to treat himself for Father’s Day. He has his pool, his video games, and his loving children on hand with towels, a cold bottle of beer, and snacks. Fathers everywhere, take note!
This dad and son have the right idea. When they have some time together, they use it to take silly pictures. Of course, the son has to include his favorite toy truck.
In many ways, great parenting is all about being faithful in the little things. That includes spending time with your kids and doing activities together like reading. This dad is nailing it!
Sometimes, babies look kind of funny when their hair first grows in. There’s not a lot of rhyme or reason for the way it grows! This father and son traded hairstyles.
This dad and daughter have got the Halloween coordinated costume thing down! What makes this so great is that the dad always lets his daughter take center stage while he’s her sidekick — the Robin to her Batman and the banana to her monkey, you could say!
The baby has to eat and probably wants to be held, too, so Dad is in charge. Hopefully, he’s letting Mom take a nap! But just because you’re taking care of the baby doesn’t mean you have to be bored, right?
Kids don’t have a concept for personal space. But that’s okay — this dad’s wearing the perfect retro sweater to let his kids climb inside with him. They look like they’re having fun!
It can be difficult to get kids to brush their teeth without a fight. But this adorable dad and daughter look like they’ve got their routine down pat. You can see how intently she’s watching and copying him!
It’s common to see moms and dads snuggling their babies — but when those babies grow up, they often don’t want to cuddle anymore. That’s what makes this picture so sweet. This girl proves that kids are never too old for a hammock cuddle!
A haircut might not seem like a big deal to you, but for little kids, it can be overwhelming. This great dad is comforting his son by crouching down and chatting with him while he’s in the stylist’s chair.
This precious baby had some beautiful photos taken, complete with flowers! I’m sure some copies are adorning her grandparents’ walls. The copycat photo done by her loving father, not so much.
Go ahead, ask your parents if they ever dropped food on you when you were a baby. It’s happened to every person who’s ever tried to eat while holding a squirmy kid. And yeah, sometimes, you have to skip the napkin and just lick it off.
This dad wanted to join his daughter’s club only to find out that it was highly exclusive. The club was for admitted members that performed a bizarre initiation, apparently one involving silly dress-up clothes.
This is a great photo. The look on both dad’s and son’s faces are full of pure joy. Talk about a simple game to play indoors that’ll keep the kids happy for hours!
This father deserves some kind of Dad Award. He’s doing three things at once — occupying the baby, playing a video game, and working out. He’s cracked the ultimate Dad Level we didn’t know existed.
This little guy refused to nap until he could show his dad how to glue some eyes on his pumpkin. Fortunately, his dad was a captivated audience for his demonstration.
43. When times get tough, Batman and Captain America have a tea party
Most kids have a good mix of interests, like the rest of us. For example, a lot of little girls love princesses and superheroes. So, it makes total sense that this cutie wants to dress up in her superhero costume and then have a tea party!
The first time you sing karaoke is kind of nerve-wracking. Fortunately, this little cutie has her dad at her side to help her feel confident. Take it away, Dad!
In Dad’s defense, his child walked right into that one. You fool, you knew you were handing him ammunition for this ultimate dad joke! They just can’t resist taking the opportunity.
This boyfriend walked into his girlfriend’s house wearing a shirt that said “Big Sexy. That being said, it’s pretty extra to take the time to fashion a lookalike shirt just to one-up a teenage boy.
This dad was either very bored or very sleep-deprived. Meanwhile, this baby wins the Baby Prize for Patience. That art job must have taken quite a while.
Some moms have a hard time letting their husbands’ co-parent, even when they know they’re great dads. This dad played right into the stereotype, and hilariously, the baby played right along.
When it comes to dad jokes, there’s no line that can’t be crossed. This dad thought he was so funny writing “break a leg” on an arm cast. You’re sick, Dad. You’re real sick.
50. A dad joke that was thousands of years in the making
The Great Sphinx of Giza was built around 2500 BCE over many years. Since it was excavated in 1887, it’s drawn millions of tourists to admire its ancient beauty…all so this dad could make a “got your nose” joke.
Sometimes, it’s impressive how far some dads will go to be lazy. In some cases, it actually takes more work than just doing things the normal way. Why not put the baby in a highchair or a swing?
When dads have little girls, they often feel out of their comfort zone when it comes to doing hair. This genius dad came up with a perfect way to get a tidy ponytail every time.
When your little girl wants to be the Little Mermaid, you’ve got to dress up as Ursula the Sea Witch, of course. The funny thing about this is that Dad actually bears a resemblance to the octopus lady.
Just a night in with his girls — doing face masks and watching Beauty and the Beast. Taking care of your skin is important, right? They’re going to be so dang exfoliated.
Seen at a local Renaissance fair: a single dad with his little girl, dressed as a fairy. He had no qualms about tapping into his magical side, fairy wings, tights, and all.
We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s not stupid if it works.” That goes double for parenting, where the goals are all about compromise. If the kid wants to ride in the bag, just…just pick your battles.
Sure, your little girl doesn’t have a beard but that doesn’t mean she won’t want to participate in the shaving ritual. After all, playing with foam is fun — and playing with Dad is even better.
This dad and daughter duo take their tea party to the next level. They’re not just having tea — they’re having a formal tea party, complete with dresses, hats, and gloves. Put your napkin in your lap and keep your elbows off the table!
Just pushing a stroller on foot isn’t how this dad rolls (pun intended). Why walk when you can unicycle your baby down the street? How else are you going to establish yourself as the cool dad?
Dads love to play with their kids, but they sometimes forget just how much bigger and stronger they are. That often means a kid gets hurt without anyone meaning for it to happen. I’m pretty sure that’s about to go down here in 3…2…1…
What do you do when you have five daughters and they all want to be Elsa for Halloween? You make sure they’re all Elsa, of course! And then to bring it to the next level, you dress up as Elsa, too.
The level of investment that went into replicating every detail is incredible. When this dad sets out to make fun of his daughter’s Instagram posts, he’s not cutting any corners. Of course, the best part is his duck face.
67. She’s rocking the Farmer John look that all the babies are crazy about
Even though there’s no real harm done, this one is just so adorable. Dad dressed his little girl for daycare and forgot to put a shirt on her. She looks like she’s a real hillbilly baby!
Some guys feel awkward about “woman problems” but not this dad. He noticed his daughter wasn’t feeling well and thoughtfully got her a treat – 10/10 dad points.
Talking about scaring your kid straight! Apparently, this kid has a history of not eating their lunch at school. Dad has a unique solution to the problem. And yes, this could be scarring.
There’s something so sweet about seeing this muscular, tattooed dad sitting down for a meal with his daughter at her pretty pink table. He wants to spend time with his little girl no matter where they are!
This dad is PERFECT for practicing your hairstyling skills. He has hair all over his face to practice on, too! And of course, like any good dad, he’s willing to be the practice dummy.
When you’re a dad with two little girls who love to drum, what are you supposed to do? Play with your girls, of course! Who knows? One of them might become the next great female drummer.
Dads are known for doing things with their kids that make Mom really nervous, but this one takes the cake. Dangling a kid by his ankles over a railing? Playing with raccoons? No!
75 dads crushing fatherhood with their parenting style
Cedric Jackson
08.26.19
Becoming a dad is one of the best things that can happen to you. Sure, parenthood is hard, but so is anything worth putting energy into, don’t you think?
Unfortunately, we still have a cultural stereotype of the “doofy dad” who can’t do anything right. The doofy dad loses his kids in the store and doesn’t even know how to change a diaper unless Mom is around. Thankfully, that’s not true to life. Most dads are completely capable of taking care of their kids without any help.
When you’re a dad, there are so many opportunities to teach your kids and to learn from them! Kids teach us how to slow down and appreciate the little things. They teach us how to take pleasure in simple things like a nice day. And goodness knows, they teach us patience!
There are all sorts of ways to be a good dad but no one does it in exactly the same way. Even though these 75 dads all have unique methods of parenting, they’re still winning the Dad of the Year Award. Who ever said that being a parent meant never having any more fun? Definitely not these dads.
