There’s something about a hands-on dad that melts hearts—and a viral TikTok posted by @nycmama is the latest proof. The video, which has racked up 111,000 views and counting, captures an everyday moment that feels downright heroic: a dad navigating the subway while carrying one child in a baby carrier and another perched on his shoulders.
The video text reads simply, “Get you a man who,” while the caption delivers the perfect mic drop: “I carried them each for 9 months so.”
The comments section quickly turned into a virtual applause for dads who show up, with one user, @mamaslayz, chiming in: “That man deserves a hot meal and a nap!” Another user, @carolyn.nyc, joked, “This is peak parenting multitasking. He could probably run a Fortune 500.” Others couldn’t help but notice how casual the dad looked despite the chaotic logistics. “The calm on his face? Elite dad energy,” wrote @parentingplus.
But it wasn’t just about the dad. Many commenters took the opportunity to shout out moms for all the unseen work that goes into parenting. “Moms deserve all the flowers,” wrote @modernmama. “We do this and pack the diaper bag!”
@nycmama I carried them each for 9 months so #dadlife #dadsoftiktok #dad #dads #dadtok #dadgoals #fatherhood #bigDadenergy #realman #parentingdoneright ♬ original sound – <3
Why this resonates so deeply with moms
This 10-second clip hits a nerve because it shines a light on something every mom dreams of: a partner who shares the load, literally and figuratively. While carrying two kids at once might not be a daily occurrence, it’s a powerful visual of the emotional and physical labor moms manage all the time.
Parenting in a city like NYC is no small feat either, with the daily grind amplified by packed subways and endless stairs. For many moms watching, this dad represented more than just a cute moment—it was a reminder of what true partnership can look like.
Related: Viral dad explains why he’s woken up early for 3 years with his kids while his wife sleeps in
The science of sharing the load
Studies have shown that equitable parenting isn’t just good for moms; it’s good for kids too. A study published in 2022 found that father involvement is significantly associated with children’s positive mental, cognitive, social, and physical outcomes. And for moms? Sharing parenting duties can reduce feelings of burnout, improve mental health, and even strengthen the couple’s bond.
So while this dad might not have been thinking about the long-term developmental benefits while boarding that train, his actions speak volumes.
Let’s normalize dads like this
This TikTok feels so viral-worthy because it celebrates the kind of dad every mom deserves, but sadly, not every mom gets. It’s a reminder to share this with your partner and say, “Goals.”
For the dads watching—if you’ve ever doubted how much your effort is appreciated, this is your sign to jump in, no matter how small the task might seem. It could be making the school lunches, getting up for that midnight diaper change, or yes, carrying two kids on the subway.
In the meantime, the internet will be swooning over this subway dad while moms everywhere silently add “become this level of multitasking genius” to their New Year’s goals.
Related: Alexis Ohanian wants every father to take paternity leave
