The modern dad looks a lot different than he did a generation ago.
Gone is the stereotype of the distant disciplinarian or the once-in-a-while fun parent. Today’s fathers are showing up in carpool lines, in group texts about soccer games, and—most importantly—in the daily lives of their kids in ways that feel refreshingly active. They're no longer content being a supporting character in the story. They want a leading role.
And yeah, they’re still learning the lines as they go.
The shift didn’t happen overnight. But the pandemic gave it a shove. When the world shut down, so did business trips, office hours, and commutes. For dads used to airport lounges and late-night meetings, it was disorienting. Face-to-face was once how you proved your value. Suddenly, value looked more like being at home—helping with school, learning to do a ponytail, and stepping into a parenting role many hadn’t been fully invited into.
That invitation? It turned out to be an upgrade.
The Rise of the Hands-On Dad
Today’s dads aren’t “babysitting” their kids. They’re running warm-ups at swim practice. Designing booster hoodies. Volunteering. All because they want to.
As Matt Lofy, Founder and Host of The Dadass Podcast and President/CEO of the Worthington Area Chamber, puts it: “The definition of a modern dad is still being rewritten—and that’s a good thing.”
It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence.
One diaper blowout changed everything for Matt. “I never imagined a changing table would turn me into a Dadvocate,” he says, “but even the smallest parenting moments can lead to big change.” That spark led to over 300 changing tables being placed across Columbus.
Put the Phone Down
Sometimes the moment sneaks up—like a random Target run. You hop in the car, glance over, and boom—there’s your kid. Just sitting there.
You’re not gonna be driving them around forever. Soon they’ll be driving themselves.
So the phone goes in the back seat. Music goes up. Even if the song’s ridiculous—you learn the chorus. You sing, the louder the better.
“It’s the small, everyday moments that become the heartbeat of parenting,” Matt says.
The Starting Lineup
Dads aren’t benchwarmers anymore. They’re in the starting lineup. Not as replacements, but as teammates.
Fatherhood is changing.
And it’s going to be a good game.
“It’s the small, everyday moments that become the heartbeat of parenting.” – Matt Lofy