Operation Dad Support: DadBuds PH and Legendaddy
Two online communities for dads and husbands are making waves, creating a safe space for small (and big) talks.
This story about Dad Communities and Support by Mae Virtucio first came out in Modern Parenting’s special Mother’s Day-Father’s Day 2023 Print Edition available on https://sarisari.shopping/.
When it comes to parenthood, finding support groups for wives, moms, moms-tobe, and aspiring moms
is almost always a breeze. The choices are endless whether online or in person. On top of support groups, so many mommy experts and influencers serve as role models and guides— sharing snippets of their lives that other mothers can relate with. Unfortunately, it’s a whole different story for dads and husbands.
You can scour social media channels and online discussion platforms and still find nothing that they can resonate with. Though it doesn’t seem obvious, dads and husbands also look to seek support from their peers aside from their partners. This paved the way for two dads to found their respective online
communities for their male comrades: DadBud PH and Legendaddy.
On How They Started
The communities’ founders started their online groups when they were both about to become fathers. They found themselves searching for answers to both small and big questions dads-to-be and first-time dads ask. “When my eldest daughter was about to be born, I tried looking for a community where I could ask stupid questions like, ‘What should I prepare? What essentials do I need? What should I pack in my go-bag?’ to more serious questions like ‘How much do I need to prepare for hospital delivery costs? Who’s a good pediatrician in x-hospital?’,” said Legendaddy founder Raffy Zamora.”
“Unfortunately, all I could find were mommy groups, and found that the communities weren’t particularly helpful nor relatable to my issues and questions. So I decided to build my own group and just invited my own little circle of dad friends,” he continued.
To read the full article, grab a copy of Modern Parenting’s special Mother’s Day-Father’s Day 2023 Print Edition. It’s available on sarisari.shopping. Or you can download the e-Magazine from Readly or Press Reader.
On Struggle and Stereotypes
Providing a safe space for men to talk, these two communities discovered that among the most common struggles dads face are being the financial provider and the source of strength for their families. Filipino dads are also born from a very patriarchal upbringing, and the need to be the breadwinner is at the core of our existence. Joey says that this is one topic men find hard to talk about, which often leads to bigger issues.
As dads struggle to talk about their fears and inadequacies, thinking they aren’t enough for their kids, Legendaddy Raffy Zamora makes sure to remind the guys in their group that being their best is all their kids need.
To read the full article, grab a copy of Modern Parenting’s special Mother’s Day-Father’s Day 2023 Print Edition. It’s available on sarisari.shopping. Or you can download the e-Magazine from Readly or Press Reader.
On Helping Navigate Fatherhood and Family Life
At the end of the day, dads and husbands just want someone to vent to without causing them to judge their spouses. DadBuds PH and Legendaddy aim to be reliable friends that fathers and father figures can turn to. Their groups are filled with fellow dads who listen objectively and offer advice or support in whatever way possible without all the comments, backlash, and judgment. Though mothers and fathers may experience different struggles when it comes to parenting and raising their children, their goal remains the same. And that is to build a strong foundation for their families, instill good values, and raise happy, healthy, and kind children.
To read the full article, grab a copy of Modern Parenting’s special Mother’s Day-Father’s Day 2023 Print Edition. It’s available on sarisari.shopping. Or you can download the e-Magazine from Readly or Press Reader.
More about support for dads:
An Easy Guide For Dads: How to Take Nice Photos
Take It Like A Man: We Need To Stop Teaching Sons That!
Meet The Original Legendaddy, Raffy Zamora
