What 100 dads taught me about being the GOAT parent

I’ve interviewed over 100 parents while building Parint, and let me tell you—dads today are doing some seriously cool things. I’m talking about stuff that I didn’t know about when my first was born.

Today, I want to share these insights with you. Not to overwhelm you with another checklist (trust me, we’ve got enough of those), but to inspire. These aren’t about being perfect; they’re about showing up in fun, intentional ways.

My dad, the OG intentional dad

Growing up, my dad had a crazy schedule. Night shifts, weekends—you name it. I got slivers of time with him, but he made those slivers count. I can still hear the garage door creak open as he came home in the early morning, and I’d sprint to catch him before heading off to school.

Despite the hustle, my dad was an intentional dad which was rare for an Indian immigrant in the ‘80s. He took me on solo trips when my mom couldn’t join, attended my dance recitals, and he even had real convos with my friends. I thought he was the coolest.

Lesson: Kids remember the spikes—the moments that stand out from the daily grind. They don’t need to be grand, just different.

The dad of 2024: hands-on, present, and evolving

Fast forward to today, and dads are stepping up in ways that just weren’t modeled for a lot of us. Maybe your dad worked 24/7, was absent, or passed off all the homefront duties to your mom. And yet, here you are—breaking the mold.

What’s driving this change? Partly necessity: the number of U.S. marriages where the father is the primary or sole breadwinner has dropped from 85% in 1972 to 55% in 2022. But a lot of it is the desire to be more present than what we saw growing up. We’re learning on the fly, and it’s been incredible to hear from so many dads creating their own version of GOAT fatherhood.

And the outcomes speak for themselves. Children with actively engaged fathers show fewer behavior problems and have better mental health overall. These dads are making an impact that lasts well beyond bedtime stories and weekend activities.

Things GOAT dads do differently

Here are just a few ways dads are showing up. Don’t worry—you don’t have to do all of these. Think of them as ideas to try depending on where you are in your journey.

Quality time rituals

We all know time is tight, but these dads know that its about quality not quantity.

• Camping with Dads: One dad is a member of the local YMCA and goes on a monthly father-daughter camping trip with over 200 other dads and kids. Not only do they get time outdoors, but they also build community with other dads.

• Milestone Trips: DJ, a dad of 4 in Sacramento, takes each child on special milestone trips at ages 5, 10, and 15. The trips grow with the kids—age 5 is a local adventure, 10 is a domestic trip, and by 15, it's an international experience.

• Donuts with Dad: Who said quality time had to be elaborate? John has a simple weekly tradition of going out for donuts with his kids. It’s small, but it’s theirs.

Purposeful conversations

GOAT dads go beyond small talk. They intentionally create space for deeper, more meaningful conversations with their kids, helping them feel heard, respected, and understood.

• The "Discussion" Rule: Johan, a dad of 4, taught his kids to request a “discussion” when they have something important on their minds. When they do, he drops everything to focus on what matters.

• Adult-Like Conversations: Premal, dad to a 13- and 11-year-old, intentionally talks to his kids like adults. They often dive into real-world topics, like his challenges at work. It’s his way of showing them that their opinions matter.

Active involvement

These dads don’t just watch from the sidelines—they jump in and make activities a part of their relationship-building.

• Basketball Pickup Games: One dad, a basketball lover, brings his kids along to pickup games with a mini hoop in tow. He sets it up courtside, so the kids can play next to the grown-ups and feel part of his world.

• Mini Business Ventures: Vadim teamed up with his 10-year-old daughter to conceptualize a skincare business. It started with her passion for self-care, and now they’re learning about entrepreneurship together.

• Trip Chaperoning: A few dads I spoke to make it a point to chaperone school trips at least once a year. It’s an easy way to stay connected with your kid’s world—and sneak in some extra bonding time.

Meaningful traditions

GOAT dads create simple yet meaningful traditions that their kids will remember for a lifetime. These aren’t just activities—they’re rituals that anchor the family and reinforce values. These are the things that become the dad moments kids will talk about at your retirement party (and probably before that).

• Family Game Night: Nate takes charge of weekly family game night. No screens, no distractions—just pure, competitive board game chaos. Change up your game night with one of these.

• Annual Letters: Inspired by the heartwarming Google Dear Sophie ad, some dads write an annual letter to their kids. It’s a tradition that’ll last a lifetime and become a keepsake long after they’ve grown.

• Dad’s DIY Day: Another dad sets aside one Saturday a month as "DIY Day," where he and his kids work on a hands-on project together. Whether it’s building a chair, fixing something in the house, or starting a garden they’re learning life skills.

If there’s one thing I learned from these 100 dads, it’s that being the GOAT parent doesn’t mean doing it all—it means showing up in the moments that matter. Whether it’s donuts on a Saturday morning or a quick game of hoops, what’s your next GOAT move?

What do you want me to write about next? Reply with whatever has been on your mind lately!