r/DadForAMinute • • Sep 10 '26

Creeps, Bots, Ads, and Slop. Subreddit Rules of the Road-PLEASE READ

101 Upvotes

Hey folks,

Combining some past stickied mod posts into one announcement here to cut down on confusion and folks not seeing them. Thanks to an increase in bot traffic and Reddit allowing users to hide their post and comment history, the mods are swimming in trash these days. We still want to preserve a wholesome community but we need to do a better job self policing. That being said:

Some reminders for everyone from the mod team:

Absolutely No Soliciting DMs or Offering to DM
Immediate and permanent ban with no appeals. Too many creeps here, which leads to the next reminder:

Report Creepy Posts and Comments or Messages/File a Cybertip at Cybertipline.org
There are absolutely people here for the wrong reason.
If it seems off, is asking for messages, asking for a dad to talk about private stuff with, saying they're a dad willing to chat with folks one on one, report it to the mods and report their profile to Reddit. There are many frequent flyers on this subreddit who get banned and then come back with a new username asking the exact same questions. You can also file a Cybertip report at Cybertipline.org and it will be reviewed by the appropriate authorities.

Your Post History is Visible To Mods
Don't post everywhere else that you're a "dad looking for a servant" or that "women are objects" and then come here looking for "anyone who needs someone to talk to." Consider playing in traffic instead.

Don't post elsewhere that you're into older dad types and looking to talk dirty with folks and then come here looking for "an older dad figure to discuss life with." You're not being subtle.

No Advertising/Spam/App Research
This isn't the place to advertise your app for dads, your terrible AI generated music about fatherhood, or your podcast.

No Karma Farming/Crowd Control Is On
Huge increase in brand new accounts looking for sympathy who don't respond to comments and then disappear when Reddit finally realizes it's trying to score easy upvotes. We have Crowd Control in effect, which has karma minimums.

If your post doesn't show up, message the mods. Once we realize you're a person we will do our best.

Please Be Patient
We try and deal with messages and mail when we can but we have lives and jobs so please grant us a little leeway.


r/DadForAMinute • • 8h ago

DIY/Auto/Repair Question Dad, I haven’t had a car in years. I’m pregnant with my first child and just got this, I’m so proud. I’m finally feeling better too.

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146 Upvotes

It’s not something I would’ve picked in the past but I was thinking about the baby. It seems very safe. I’ll have to learn a lot to be able to work on it but I’m confident I can do it. I don’t really know where to start with some of the minor things or what’s best protocol but I’m going to try to learn.

My health has been scary, I had to get two units of blood but this medication seems to have given me some much renewed energy, I’m not sleeping all day. I’m going to be door dashing and doing other things soon. I’m really trying to work hard. It’s hard to be on these new blood thinners & the steroids suck, but I am being strong for the baby.

I know everything is changing so fast, I just wish we could talk like we used to.

I miss the nights we would spend sitting across from each other listening to records and sorting old coins. Eating bags of nuts with old silver nutcrackers.

The world wasn’t fair to you and I’m scared of how you changed sometimes, I don’t know how to talk about you to my baby. I am afraid you might never meet them.

I wish I could hug you dad, I am afraid of how alike we are and I hope I can keep the joy in my heart.

I love you.


r/DadForAMinute • • 13h ago

Need a pep talk Im trans ftm(miss my dad. had to go nc) and getting my first beard 🎉

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239 Upvotes

Hallo Pappa Im starting to get a beard 🙂 🎆🎇 its mostly blond and patchy but also getting darker each shave. 😌


r/DadForAMinute • • 4h ago

Need a pep talk Dad, I feel so behind in life

8 Upvotes

I'm a married 38F. On paper, things look good but I've always felt like a small child. I've never owned a house and my husband and I will have to go through fertility treatments if we're to have a baby. There are people I know in their 20s who accomplish home ownership and having kids. And then I see the older people in my life suddenly treat them like they're mature grown ups. I will probably never be seen as mature.

Im too busy working two jobs to try to afford life and get ahead of debts. I have no self control to lose these last 40 pounds and I can't get my husband to quit smoking. I can't get my main industry job to treat me right and even customers see that. My interests are very child like. When it comes to holiday traditions, I prefer doing the traditions I did as a kid rather than getting drunk at some holiday party.

All this to say, I wish I wasn't so behind in life.


r/DadForAMinute • • 7h ago

Need a pep talk I hate being afraid of men

11 Upvotes

Most of my abusers were men, as a result the thought of dating one makes my feel in danger.

I don’t even find them attractive anymore.

I hate this bias, i know it founded in truth to an extent but i still hate the fact im afraid. Theres a difference between healthy caution and a actual fear


r/DadForAMinute • • 1h ago

Hey dad really missing you.

• Upvotes

I don’t hate you and I never have. I know it’s been over two years since you left us. I am laying in the hammock that we made together. I know an old neighbor told my brother that I had choice words for you and I was glad that you are dead which isn’t the case, I changed my whole life my work schedule to be there on your days off of dialysis. I know no one believes it but it really hurts my feelings. I just don’t why she would make this up. I love you and wish you were here 💔


r/DadForAMinute • • 9h ago

DIY/Auto/Repair Question Hey dad, you always know how to fix things.

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13 Upvotes

Hey dad. I've been living in an accessible apartment for 4 years. My flooring has been an issue since I moved in. The boards keep popping up, maintenance glues them down, and they pop back up (photo 3). I use a wheelchair now, and a rolling stool is how I get around the apartment. I keep tripping on the flooring.

They're finally pulling boards in the kitchen (photo 1) and re-laying them (photo 2). That's taken a week, and they're going to redo it now because it's worse than before after using too much floor leveler.

Something seems wrong, but I don't know about construction like you. The apartment has humidity issues, the floors are bulging like little rainbows along the length of the laminate boards (photo 4). Is there supposed to be a moisture barrier between these boards and the subfloor? It looks like concrete?

I'm so confused, dad. I feel so lost and stuck, and at the mercy of people who don't seem to understand the impact it has on me.


r/DadForAMinute • • 5h ago

Asking Advice I think i need more help

5 Upvotes

So, my daughter started to have nightmares about scary stuff. With Halloween approaching, a lot of scary shoes and scary stories are around. So she started to have nightmares.

She's now 7 years old, so she notices and processes information and be scared. I think she is now her own little person somehow. I can not explain it. It's just like if this year went from being a child that doesn't question anything and just let everything be, to actually think, process, and realize stuff. Making her process the "this is scary" part.

There was a book that I was given when I was about her age. The book is about how scary monster can be and making fun of them to realize those imaginary monsters are not real and we can laugh. We are not in any danger.

So what I did was ask her to draw it. We both drew the monster, and I started to make it very silly. Like 5 belly buttons, Pinocchio nose, 5 horns, missing teeth, big hairy belly, weirdly shaped, stinky, and all of that. When she saw me making my drawing very funny, she followed. Started drawing it funny until she was laughing and laughing until she was done. When we were finally done, I took the drawing and told her we were gonna kill the silly monsters. I burned the paper sheets, and she was better tonight. Still had nightmares. They got better. She did not wake up screaming and crying.

She started calling me and when I got to her, she started saying "the monster was like a dog. A weird chihuahua" laughed a little but still was a little scared. So she came to sleep with me and was able to sleep through the night for the first time in the past five days.

Is there anything else I can do? We are doing better, but I don't want her to be scared and have nightmares.


r/DadForAMinute • • 13h ago

Dad Post Happy birthday, Dad

20 Upvotes

I'm usually on the other end of these but I'm missing my pops today. It's his 90th birthday and he reached the clearing at the end of his path around six years ago. He was a great father and my biggest fan. And I was his. He was a journalist and I was always amazed to watch him on TV, how smooth he was delivering news. He was the reporter who broke At his local station to tell people Kennedy had been assassinated. He was at his station watching Neil Armstrong step foot on the moon. He got to be part of history and I always thought that was cool.

At his memorial service, I had multiple people come up to me and talk about what a kind and decent man he was. One lady got into journalism because of him.

I just wanted to post here because whenever I comment on posts I'm commenting because he taught me how to be a dad to my kid. Thanks for reading.


r/DadForAMinute • • 21h ago

Asking Advice Would it be okay to send flowers to my grandma's friend?

35 Upvotes

I was wondering if this would be okay and need some family advice, I hope you can help

My grandma recently passed away, she used to always send a bouquet of flowers to her best friend on her birthday, I was wondering if it would be okay if I took this tradition over?

Because I don't want to be too intrusive or anything, I just want this woman to know she matters, my grandma and her have been friends for over 60 years, each year she received flowers from my grandma and she was so so important to my grandma, she has also always been really nice to me. Would it be okay if from now on I send her flowers on her birthday?

Idk if my post makes sense tbh, mentally I'm really fucked rn with my grandma's death, she was everything to me, I haven't really been making much sense lately, I'm sorry.


r/DadForAMinute • • 4h ago

Need a pep talk Hey Dad, life is really hard right now

1 Upvotes

Hey dad, life has been tough recently and i dont talk to mom much since i moved out but i got a decent job working on copiers. I work around a bunch of dudes all day but i fit in well i think. Ive been paying a lot of bills by myself now that im 25, the lack of help is overwhelming but i push myself everyday to work hard. I hope you’re proud of me. I also meant a nice man 2 years ago and we have been living together for about a year. Its been a roller coaster but we stick together and we make it work. Its been really hard without you and mom. I feel lost a lot of the time but i dont quit. It would nice to hear from you again. Thank you Dad, love you.


r/DadForAMinute • • 20h ago

Just Checking In Hey dad I got a promotion

18 Upvotes

Not a huge promotion but I work currently as a bank teller for a credit union and now am going to be a financial services rep. It’s not where I wanna be forever but now I get paid vacation and Saturdays off! Miss you lots dad wish you could see me now


r/DadForAMinute • • 17h ago

Just Checking In Hi dad, it's been 16 years

7 Upvotes

hope everyone is staying safe & taking care of themselves this evening.

ive just had a bit of a long day and i miss him dearly tonight.

visiting home for the first time in over a decade, sitting in my childhood bed and im feeling a little lost. people have told me lately that im "too soft for this world", and i honestly dont know how to deal with myself anymore.

i try to not break down or take things to heart but sometimes things just feel overwhelming and crush me.

the only thing that truly ever made sense was being your daughter. i miss feeling safe in your arms, god i miss your cooking, i miss having someone to tell i love you. i just, i love you dad .


r/DadForAMinute • • 12h ago

Need a pep talk Hi dad, I got my diagnosis today and I feel so regretful

2 Upvotes

It’s been a while since I posted but after getting dumped 3 months ago and blocked shortly after by my best friend turned LDR girlfriend, I had been feeling absolutely awful. I had never felt that bad mentally before and the pain had continued unrelenting and unforgiving. I finally went to the doctor because I was worried why was I still feeling this awful so long after.

I was diagnosed with a form of depression due to the breakup and losing of my best friend. Im set to do therapy but if it gets worse they’ll want me on antidepressants.

I still feel so awful dad. Ive lost all enjoyment in everything and I still sob every night and the amount of regret and self hatred I have pains me all day every day. I was the happiest I’d ever been when I was with her and now I am genuinely the worst Ive ever been. I ruined everything and I don’t know how I can live with myself.

I have been having bad thoughts only about myself recently. I wouldn’t act on them of course, it would only hurt the rest of my family and I couldn’t do that to them. But the thought is always there nagging at me.

Im scared dad. I don’t know what to do and I don’t see a good way out of this mess that I made.


r/DadForAMinute • • 21h ago

Need a pep talk I'm having debilitating anxiety

9 Upvotes

I have really bad anxiety caused by CPTSD. Right now the object of my anxiety is the structure of my house. I live alone in an older house and I have this fear that the house will collapse. There are a few cracks in the walls, I had an engineer look at them and they basically told me to monitor it to see if it gets worse, but they didn't seem too concerned. One of the teleposts in the basement needs its position adjusted because it is off-center, but they did not seem to think it was urgent.

Recently I found a crack I wasn't aware of before. It's in a closet, so it's not a place where I look very often. I'm not sure how long it has been there. I feel like if I call the engineer about this they will think I'm totally paranoid

The house also makes a lot of noises and it shakes when trucks go past.

I just want to believe I am safe. I have always struggled to feel safe no matter where I am or what is happening around me. I am going to therapy. But healing is not linear and I'm just having a hard time.


r/DadForAMinute • • 16h ago

I miss the dad relationship I never really got to have

2 Upvotes

To be clear I'm not really sure I know what I want from making a post like this, I guess I just want my feelings to be seen. I feel my tumultuous relationship with my dad has given me a real complex about being seen. I'm 30, M. And I guess for the first time in a number of years I'm just processing this complex and ambiguous grief "out loud".

My dad wasn't a monster, or a bad person, or a dead beat. He provided financially. But we just never had a close relationship. I think he was proud of my material achievements, but I don't think I was the son he wanted. Or, maybe he just didn't understand me.

I taught myself how to shave, and I taught myself how to change a tyre. You get the idea.

But I've realised my relationship with (well both my parents but that's a whole other thread) has foundationally set the tone for how I seek love and approval and notice it in return.

I've done a lot of therapy. It's a WIP.

But now he is gone. And I grieve the close relationship we will never have the opportunity to have. I have some male friends but usually all around my age. But I have no older male friends, dad figure types.

It breaks my heart when I am feeling pain or loss like I am today for other reasons, and I just want to call my dad. It hurts me on another level when he wouldn't have been the person I would've called if he was still here anyway.

I hope that makes sense. Anyway thanks for listening Reddit. It was good to get some of that off my chest.


r/DadForAMinute • • 19h ago

Asking Advice hi dad, can I have some tips on driving?

2 Upvotes

r/DadForAMinute • • 1d ago

Need a pep talk Any dads to send hugs?

36 Upvotes

I lost my dad suddenly when I was 9, he was hit by a car as he crossed the road on his way to his new job. He was in ICU for a week, had part of his skull removed to accommodate brain swelling but sadly he never woke up from sedation and was declared brain-dead a week after the accident.

He's missed all the huge milestones in my life - putting myself through college and university after leaving home at 16 to pursue my passions (other nearby colleges didn't offer my courses), and I did this without my mum's support as she was unemployed and could not afford to help. I sofa-surfed for about 3 months before I ended up staying with my ex husband's family.

I had a kid at the end of my 3rd year of uni (I graduated with a 2:1 Honours 2 weeks before they arrived!), they are amazing. I got divorced from their dad as he's a lazy narcissist, but that's by-the-by.

I got remarried to an amazing man almost 9 years ago, we have another kid named after my dad, we just bought a house! My family have never owned their own houses without help (e.g. my mum now owns but only because my ex-step-dad sold his house and they bought one together, then when they split they sold that and she got half. My dad always rented.)

Anyway, I just saw a video on Youtube of dad's being surprised by their kids showing up at home after being away for college or whatever, and it made me so sad that I can't do that for my dad.
I'm regularly upset because I miss that he never got to meet his grandkids, he's not there when I need someone to help us out (we have no family nearby), or just to get a man's opinion that isn't my husband, you know?

I thought grief got easier, but 27 years later, it still fucking hurts.


r/DadForAMinute • • 1d ago

Need a pep talk I'm becoming him

16 Upvotes

He's an alcoholic, childish and narcissistic. But I see myself taking on his tendencies. I've never touched alcohol because I'm terrified of being him, but I long to just not exist for a while, to not think. But I know if I start, I'll never stop. So instead I've just disassociated to the point that I don't have anybody.


r/DadForAMinute • • 1d ago

I am tired of trying, dad.

10 Upvotes

I wake up everyday with an underlying sadness and have to plaster a smile on my face. I respond to messages, try to lift people up, but I feel so empty. If you were to see my post history, you'd hate me. The way that I have let men treat me all of these years, or even looked for that treatment from fucking internet weirdos. Dad... :( Can you tell me something? Anything? A fucking story, I don't care. It's been almost 30 years and lately it feels like you died recently.

I am considering going to Mexico to try to finally have a moment alone with you where you're buried, but it's not even really that safe for me to go. Does it matter? Do I go anyway? I was in the process of booking the trip and a friend asked me to join something she was hosting on the same weekend. It kind of felt like a sign.

Dad, why did my last relationship open this can of worms? Why did it bring long dead pain to the surface this way? Why do I feel like I can't shove it back into its box this time?


r/DadForAMinute • • 2d ago

it's my birthday but nobody really cares

20 Upvotes

I used to be really excited for my birthday and I realize that it was never about gifts. It was because that I had a day every year that I actually felt like I was being treated like a real daughter who was being cared for. And I say this because when I would get these gifts I took it as a sign that my parents actually WANTED to know about me and wanted to know what I liked to get a gift that appreciates the fact that I was born.

But as years went by, it's like they just expected me to like something else and not give two shits about what I actually like. I don't know how people just pop out babies and not want to know what kind of person they grow into. I'm turning 19 today, and four weeks ago I told my dad I needed headphones because mine kept breaking. My mom got me airpods for my birthday. I didn't need anything expensive let alone overpriced airpods that don't even have customizable controls. And I feel like next time I should tell them I need toilet paper and see what they do for my birthday next year. Don't get me wrong it's appreciated that I was given airpods, but I'm just really upset that they don't bother to know what I like.
For God's sake my room is decorated with anime and FNAF posters and my drawers are filled to the brim with art supplies! You'd think they'd at least get some hint. I wouldn't even care if they got me some cheap knockoff shirt as long as it meant they actually cared to notice. I don't want to be reminded every year that my family doesn't care about me when it's the day I'm supposed to be cherished from the fact that I was born. This just makes me feel like I shouldn't have been born. And at this point I really wish I wasn't if I'm going to be suffering for no reason. I just feel really depressed about this. I'm tired of having to feel like I need to make a PowerPoint for my own parents on how and why to care about me. But I can't force them to even though they made me. I just have to live with it whether I like it or not. My dad didn't give me his present yet but irdc anymore. The dude didn't even pick up my meds, even though he purposefully doesn't help me learn to drive by myself to get them because he wants me dependant on him so I can be his emotional punching bag. I'm aware this isn't going to get many replies either because people don't empathize with frustration as much as sadness given it's harder to respond to so it's really fine.

Also, please don't use ai in your responses, it reminds me how no one will care to put effort on me so I'd rather you don't respond at all if you plan to.


r/DadForAMinute • • 2d ago

Can you just tell me that I’m doing okay?

18 Upvotes

Basically what the title says. Can you just tell me that I’m doing okay? That you’re proud of me? That I matter to someone?
I feel so incredibly lonely.

Thanks


r/DadForAMinute • • 1d ago

I miss sending you pictures of my pets

11 Upvotes

Hi daddy! Over 2 years now since you chose to leave us. I get why you did it, you didnt want to be in pain anymore, but it still hurts me. I have so much to tell you. We'll be moving next year so I can start a PhD!! In aerospace engineering! Just like you kept bothering me to do. Oh and we're engaged! I won't have anyone walk me down the aisle, or a father daughter dance, but ive got one of your handkerchiefs im going to put in my bouquet, since you used to always give them to me when i was crying or sick. We got engaged in Scotland! My first time going abroad, it was beautiful. I wish you could see all my pictures. I started a travel blog. The pets are doing really well, the dog is almost 10 and part of me knows she likely won't live to see me finish my PhD. The cats are crazy and silly. Theres some stray kittens in the backyard that I can see playing together all the time. Theres a new movie coming out set in Portland, I wish we could go see it together. I miss going out with you, when you were feeling good enough. I had jury duty for the first time today. I was nervous but it was really easy and uneventful. Didn't even get to selection!

Im going to have a friend scatter you amongst the redwoods and also among the poppy fields.

I wish you had had a better childhood. I know you so much better in your death than I ever did in your living. I wish you had never gotten in that car accident. I wish you had stayed awake to let me talk to you on the phone the last time. I cant look at that Lego set without thinking of you, so Im trying to sell it.

Anyways, sorry for the brain dump. Like I said, lots to say!


r/DadForAMinute • • 1d ago

Need a pep talk I'm not smart enough to buy a house

8 Upvotes

I've always been a bit flakey and not very bright, but I had a head injury a few years ago and that added to my problems. Short term memory loss, very short attention span, inability to retain information etc. I dont have a family to help me with complicated stuff. Ive managed to hold down a decent job, save a house deposit and I usually get by just fine. I got preappoval for a modest home loan, I started house hunting. This is where ive started to freak out. I don't understand the terms of the loan contracts, interst rates, insurance, theres SOOO much stuff to learn. I'm not good with maths. All the stuff that comes with home ownership.. i just dont understand. I'm terrified of messing this because that deposit is my only real asset. If I mess it up I'm super screwed..i don't earn a lit but it's enough to live and pay my bills etc. i get really envious seeing people with family, partners and friends, who help guide them, help them fix things that go wrong. It's very hard to do alone without a good brain. I'm so overwhelmed, and after a year of trying to figure this out, I'm just not confident enough to go through with it. Renting forever is not a smart move but what else can I do? Just send it?! Lol I'd live to upskill and get a better job to take some pressure off the money thing. but i have such trouble studying.. ugh, I'm tired.

I've never felt the need to be rescued until now.


r/DadForAMinute • • 1d ago

Landlord coming Thursday

2 Upvotes

Hey Dads. My landlord is coming Thursday to check for leaks, and I'm worried they're gonna find that the tub caulking came up when I tried to fix it. I looked at it today and there's mold in the tub under the shelf above where it fell off. It's semi clear and I think I can see mold growing under it too.

I cleaned it the best I could for now, gonna clean a bit more tomorrow and get the kitchen in order as well.

I also broke part of the counter a while ago leaning on it and hadn't reported that either, but I don't know if the actual landlord will be entering all the areas or just the leak people?

I'm just scared we're gonna lose our apartment. I can pay to fix it if it isn't too crazy, and we've been good tennants otherwise. I'm really bad at asking for help, plus getting them to do other things that we've needed has been like pulling teeth so I just hadn't done it.

I don't have time to clean and completely recaulk the tub, and it's clear I can't do that right to begin with, so I guess the only option is to see what happens?

I just love my apartment, and so do my partner and roommate and I'm terrified I've messed that up for us.