As moms, we often commiserate with other moms about the woes of parenthood. Motherhood instantly changes a woman and it can make us feel better knowing that others share our experiences. But what about dads? Their lives change just like ours, but they sometimes feel forgotten in the newborn experience. One dad from New York wanted to change that and the Brooklyn Stroll Club was born.
Joe Gonzales felt isolated as a new dad, but knew he couldn’t be the only man who felt that way. So, he decided to post about this new stage of life on TikTok. Suddenly, Gonzales had a support group of other dads, and their babies had new friends as part of the Brooklyn Stroll Club.
More From CafeMom: 10 Ways for a Husband To Not Be a Worthless Turd of a Spouse When His Wife Has a Baby
Gonzales felt alone with his baby.
He told People that not many of his friends in the city had kids, which made things challenging for him. On a whim, he decided to start making TikToks, @joegonzales.co, to share his experience.
“[In] one TikTok I asked where the dads hang out in Brooklyn and people really said there should be something for them, so I put myself out there by setting a date,” he explained.
He didn’t realize it at the time, but Gonzales’ idea struck a chord with many dads.
Gonzales had a bit of a "Field of Dreams" moment.
We probably all remember the iconic line, “If you build it, they will come.” That’s just what happened with the Brooklyn Stroll Club. Gonzales built a community for new dads, and they showed up.
He told People that almost 20 first-time dads showed up from across New York to the group’s inaugural meeting in McCarren Park.
“We hung out and shared stories on what it’s been like [being parents],” Gonzales said. “It was super simple but left me feeling grateful for the power of dads and social media.”
He shared pictures of the meet-up on TikTok.
Unsurprisingly, the Brooklyn Stroll Club was a viral hit. His video has 658,000 views, and people love seeing these dads together.
“This generation of dads literally heals my inner child,” someone shared.
This woman agreed, writing, “As a single mom, this heals my heart. All babies deserve an amazing father. The new generation is breaking cycles.”
A dad-to-be wrote, “This is awesome, my wife is expecting any day now. Soon to be fathers of two. This looks like something I can stand behind.”
Gonzales said his inspiration came from a supportive dad friend.
He credits another dad named Aaron for helping him navigate new fatherhood.
“My friend Aaron is the most intentional person I know,” Gonzalez told People. “I see it with his family but also with himself and others. He has inspired me to be a loving present father to my son but also be intentional to the people around me. Having a son has [shown] me that I’m a constant example for him, and Aaron has been a great example for me.”
More From CafeMom: New Dad Asks Black TikTok How To Do His Black Baby’s Hair & Is Promptly Dragged
He had no idea the impact the Brooklyn Stroll Club would have.
Gonzales told People he realized his impact with the success of his TikTok.
“Posting these recap photos on TikTok made me even more surprised because I’ve had so many parents from all over saying how much they wish they could have something like this and how it heals their inner child seeing dads getting together,” he shares. “I have had so many dads in my comments reaching out saying that they want to be at the next one and the dads that came have been so encouraging about it.”
