When Rob Kenney was just 14 years old, his father walked out of his life. Overnight, he was left without guidance during the years when most teenagers rely heavily on parental support. The absence of a father could have left a permanent wound, shaping him with bitterness or resentment. Instead, Rob transformed one of the most painful chapters of his life into a mission that would inspire the world.

In April 2020, at the start of the pandemic, Rob launched a YouTube channel with a simple, heartfelt name: “Dad, How Do I?”
His goal was straightforward — to teach practical life skills to young people who grew up without parental guidance, especially those who, like him, never had someone standing beside them saying, “Here’s how you do it.”

On his channel, Rob teaches everyday tasks many people assume everyone knows: how to shave safely, how to tie a tie, how to check engine oil, how to unclog a toilet, how to fix basic household problems, and perhaps most importantly, how to be patient and kind to yourself. His calm, steady voice and reassuring presence quickly resonated with viewers who longed for simple guidance delivered with genuine care.

What began as a small, personal project unexpectedly evolved into a global movement. Within weeks of launching the channel, Rob’s videos went viral as millions of people around the world searched for comfort and stability during the uncertainty of the pandemic. His subscriber count surged past three million in only a short time, and media outlets began to share his story widely. Rob soon appeared on major platforms including Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and CBS News.
(Sources: The Washington Post, Today.com, CBS News, Good Morning America)

Throughout his rise in popularity, Rob remained focused on the heart of his mission. He emphasized that the channel was never about fame or viral success. Rather, it was about offering the kind of guidance he wished he had received growing up. As he explained in interviews, “I just wanted to be the dad I never had.” His message resonated with not only young viewers but adults who watched his videos and realized how many basic life skills they had never been taught.

Rob’s impact expanded beyond YouTube. He published a book titled “Dad, How Do I? Practical Advice and Encouragement for You,” which blends instructional guidance with reflections on resilience, character, and emotional well-being. The book continued the mission of the channel, offering readers a source of steady advice and encouragement in a world where many feel lost or unsupported.

Today, Rob Kenney is recognized as a symbol of compassion, resilience, and quiet leadership — someone who used his personal history not as a burden but as a catalyst for positive change. His story demonstrates how powerful it can be when someone chooses to break generational cycles rather than repeat them. Through simple demonstrations and gentle, affirming words, he has helped millions of people feel seen, supported, and capable.

Sometimes, the strongest role models are not those who grew up with perfect guidance, but those who learned to build strength out of hardship. Rob Kenney did more than overcome his past — he used it to help heal a generation searching for direction.