A few weeks ago I wrote what I thought about other Dad blogs. (If you missed it, you can read it here).

Since then I’ve been underwhelmed by the numbers of avid readers who have rushed to the defence of the archetypal Dad-blog.

I’ve actually had zero responses. Either I’m right or Dad-Blog readers are running scared.

But recently I’ve actually noticed a more worrying trend: So called ‘Dad-Bloggers’ promoting unhealthy lifestyles and bizarre parenting techniques through their blogs and social media.

Writing From a Father’s Perspective and Being a Role Model

If you write as a Dad blogger, you are automatically putting yourself out as a role model. You say – either overtly or subtly – ‘Look at my lifestyle/parenting style. I’m a great guy. Copy me and you’ll do great.’

Which is fair enough.

If you happen to be a positive role model.

But if you’re not, and  instead you’re living an unhealthy and self destructive lifestyle while trying to kid on to the whole world (via the internet) that you’re doing a good job as a Dad, guess what?

You’re wrong and a fraud.

Recently I saw two examples of this fraudulent behaviour from two separate Dad Bloggers.

The first one tweeted out that he was a good parent because he’d bought his kid junk food:

the_litmus_test

The second was promoting a well known brand of full fat soft drink. He pictured it in a tweet saying it was ‘refreshing and invigorating’. He didn’t mention that it had no nutritional value and is a one-way-ticket to Type II diabetes somewhere down the line.

 

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So what’s the problem here? Why should I care what these arguably well meaning (but ultimately misguided) individuals are putting out there?

It’s a common theme throughout much of my writing:

The habits we engage in influence our children and especially our sons.

So what is the cure?

I want Dad bloggers to clean up their act. If you’re putting yourself out there as an internet figure, have some thought about how others see you.

But how do you do this? Well here’s my three step boot camp for Dad bloggers who need to clean up their act.

1. Stop putting out social media messages about how much you love junk food. Whether you’re selling it (well known cola brands) or just like drinking it, we don’t need to see. It’s not healthy. Its destructive. Eating junk food is your choice. Just don’t glorify it like it’s an acceptable lifestyle choice.

2. Lose some weight. Studies have shown that losing as little as 10% of your body weight (if you’re overweight or obese) can have a dramatic impact on your overall health. Small changes in your weight add up to big changes in your health. You don’t need a six pack to be a healthy human being.

3. Have some thought about the brands you promote. Your kids will pick up on your values and beliefs and copy them. If you value unhealthy and self-destructive things, your kids will pick up on these. Your readers will also use it to justify unhealthy habits in their own lives. Don’t stand for it.

What if you’re reading this and you’re not a Dad Blogger? What can you do instead?

Simple: Don’t support or read Dad Blogs that promote unhealthy habits. They don’t deserve your time and if you just read them because you’ve got nothing else to do that’s unhealthy in itself.

Guard what you read and defend your time. Read this site or one of the other sites I recommend and link to. Or you could read a good book.

this_dad_does_prawn

(Eat langoustines. They’re good for you)

Final Thoughts on the Clean Up

If people think there is money to be made from Dad Blogging, they’ll be in your face promoting their garbage posts and unhealthy lifestyles until you cave and join them.

This Dad Does is different. It’s not controlled by sponsors or advertising and you won’t see junk food promoted on my site. Ever.

The clean up can only happen if:

1) Dad bloggers clean up their act

2) You, the reader refuses to accept content that promotes self destructive habits

 

P.S. Did you know I have a mailing list? Did you know that I’ll never send you annoying spam? Did you know that I’ve got a special free gift for all subscribers coming soon? When you sign up, you’ll get an email roughly once every two weeks with some bonus content and notifications about the best posts.

Sign up for free here.

About Neil M White

Neil has been writing for a number of years. He has worked as a freelance writer both in the UK and internationally and has worked on a number of high profile media projects. Neil spends his spare time hiking, in the gym or hanging out with his family.

6 comments add your comment

  1. Nice post. I agree, why blog about your parenting when you’re harming your kids?

    Full fat soft drink? Don’t you mean full sugar. I don’t know of any soda that contains fat.

    • Thanks Rob. The ‘full fat’ thing is just a turn of phrase. Maybe is a UK thing but you’d say ‘full fat cola’ if you mean not diet.

    • Exactly. Just refined sugar and chemicals. Although I’d maybe have a can after a hard gym session I prefer to drink the no sugar or diet varieties.

  2. Neil,
    Fantastic Post brother! Being a Dad myself I have to agree with the stuff I have seen in other Dad Blogs. Trying to promote and edgy lifestyle is not cool when you have kids.

    I have a 7 year old and believe me we try to keep her on a diet of fruits and veggies. Fortunately for us she like both and is a big fan of water and juice (in moderation of course) dont want her to grow up and become unhealthy. Hell I just signed her up for swimming class this weekend!
    Its a busy life when you are a Dad!!

    • Hey Jose, sounds like you’re doing a great job. Getting kids loving these foods from an early age is really useful. It will allow them to make the right choices when they’re older.

      Keep doing what you’re doing!

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