#HealthyDads: “Fit Fathering” Discourse and Digital Health Promotion in Dad Blogs

Abstract

Objective This study examines the thematic content and social‐health orientation of fathers' online blogs about parenting, health, and fitness. Background Social media provide avenues for parents to contribute to public discourse about parenthood and to offer guidance on health‐related matters. Concerns about familial well‐being have been central to parenting discourse for ages, but little is known about how parents write and talk about health online. This knowledge gap is addressed by examining fathers' writing about health and fitness in blogs. Method A qualitative content analysis of 223 blog posts written by 40 fathers is presented. Blogs were analyzed for thematic patterns and categorized within a social health matrix of personal, interpersonal, community, and cultural health orientations. Results The findings illustrate four dominant themes: “becoming fit for fatherhood,” “how to keep kids healthy,” “the pros and cons of youth sports,” and “public health awareness and promotion.” Collectively, dad blogs are constructing fit fathering discourse that extends ideals for involved fatherhood and healthy masculinities. Conclusion Dad bloggers use social media for civic engagement and health promotion with the intent to spread awareness of men's health issues, refine fathering practices, and enhance familial well‐being. By mobilizing fit fathering discourse online and offline, they are creating a more nurturing culture of fatherhood and raising expectations for father involvement.

Shifting toward intensive parenting culture? A comparative analysis of top mommy blogs and dad blogs

“…I'm building up some stamina. But I'm never competing at the Olympic level again.Moreover, Colby (http://daysofadomesticdad.com) explains why “it's important to stay active throughout the winter months, both for your physical and mental health,” and Chris (http://dadofdivas.com) advises fathers on how to “build a bond” by playing sports with children and avoid “simply pushing them to get into it and then vicariously enjoying those sports through them.” With these reflections and tips, bloggers are promoting “fit” family identities and practices, often with an emphasis on the interrelationship of parents' and children's wellness (Scheibling & Marsiglio, 2021). Blogs here are being used to exchange information about health or to create digital space for personal fitness chronicling and accountability.…”

“…Over recent decades, there has been much scholarly inquiry into how "mommy bloggers" are reframing popular discourse about motherhood by sharing diverse accounts of their child-rearing practices and philosophies (Friedman, 2013;Hunter, 2016;Lehto, 2020;Lopez, 2009). Corresponding with heightened expectations for men's contributions to childcare, many "dad bloggers" are now using social media to exchange tailored support, create localized groups for fathers, and champion progressive ideals of involved fatherhood (Ranson, 2015;Scheibling, 2020aScheibling, , 2020bScheibling & Marsiglio, 2021). Even with the rapid expansion of new digital platforms, parenting blogs remain important cultural arenas for constructing and debating timely family issues.…”

“…Similarly, Scheibling (2020aScheibling ( , 2020b found that many fathers' blog posts refute the gendered stereotype that men are unskilled at childcare by showcasing their abilities to be competent and compassionate parents. To that end, the dissemination of "fit fathering discourse" through dad blogs helps to augment men's fathering tool kits, promote healthy and care-focused masculinities, and support familial well-being (Scheibling & Marsiglio, 2021). Concerns about childcare and family health appear to be a common thread in online discourse generated by both mothers and fathers (Ammari et al, 2018), but we know little about how these issues are constructed in mommy blogs compared to dad blogs, specifically.…”

Doing family online: (In)formal knowledge circulation, information‐seeking practices, and support communities

“…For example, in Québec, Facebook groups for “unworthy” parents are gaining in popularity, as attests the website “La Parfaite Maman Cinglante” (the perfect scathing mother), created in 2016, where stories of what would be considered “bad” parenting practices are shared and liked by thousands of followers 5 . Blogs also contribute to the spread of new “fit fathering discourse” (Scheibling & Marsiglio, 2021).…”

“You are not alone”: A big data and qualitative analysis of men's unintended fatherhood

“…In particular, online forums and threads specifically for fathers can offer a positive and nurturing space for men to discuss challenges of the new role with others who are also making this life transition (Ammari et al, 2018;Scheibling, 2020;Teague & Shatte, 2021). Past research found fathers engaging across multiple online platforms including Dad Blogs (Scheibling & Marsiglio, 2021), Facebook (McLeod, 2020 and Reddit (Teague & Shatte, 2021). In these environments, fathers were found to be discussing parenting generally, requesting advice, communicating joy and distress, and sharing challenges including physical and mental health concerns (Eriksson & Salzmann-Erikson, 2013;McLeod, 2020;Teague & Shatte, 2018).…”