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Hi, this is Dan from Dad Psych.
Freaked out about becoming a dad?
Every Wednesday, we’ll untangle the science and psychology behind your new world in 5 minutes or less.
Straightforward, research-backed and free from cringe parental tips.
In today’s edition:
Like father, like son- You dictate your son’s masculinity.
John Cena follows Dad Psych!- Still can’t see him though.
Dad Psych has managed to pull in sponsors!- Wuuuuut.😵
Like father, like son
It might feel like your newborn boy—or even your soon-to-arrive baby—is years away from having an opinion on anything, let alone what it means to “be a man.” But here’s something fascinating: your influence on how they’ll think about masculinity has already begun.
A recent study explored how fathers shape their sons’ views on masculinity, and the results are eye-opening for new dads like you.
What the study found
Researchers looked at 839 pairs of fathers and sons, aged 15–20, and found a strong connection between a dad’s views on masculinity and his son’s. Dads who held more ‘traditional’ beliefs—like the importance of appearing heterosexual or the desirability of multiple sexual partners—were far more likely to pass these views on to their sons.
Even with all the other influences young men encounter (friends, school, media) the study showed dads are still the most significant role models for shaping ideas about masculinity.
What this means
As a new dad, this research underscores how much your own beliefs and behaviours set the tone for what your son will grow up thinking it means to “be a man.” How you handle emotions, relationships, and challenges ends up creating a blueprint for your child.
If you grew up with traditional ideas of masculinity, this is a chance to reflect on which parts of that you want to pass on and which parts you might want to leave behind. The study reminds us that raising a son with healthier ideas about being a man starts with us dads.
What does it mean for me as a new dad?
Right now, your son is watching everything you do—or at least, he soon will be. Even in the early days, how you interact with your partner, handle stress, or show affection starts to shape his understanding of manhood.
But don’t try and aim for something as difficult as perfection. The key here is being mindful. When you’re frustrated, try talking about your feelings instead of bottling them up. Show kindness and respect in your actions. And most importantly, be present.
The way you approach fatherhood will ripple into the kind of man your son becomes. That might feel like a lot of responsibility, but it’s also an incredible opportunity. Right now, you’re shaping not just your son but future generations of men. Let’s make it count.
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John Cena follows Dad Psych!
Alright, let’s just get one thing straight: I couldn’t care less about celebrities. But when John Cena follows you on X, yeah, I’m going to pause for a second and wonder what’s going on.
My account has, like, 50 followers. Most of them are those unrelenting OnlyFans bots that I’ve given up trying to block. The account is basically dead—I barely use it because I’ve been focused on other platforms. So why, out of his 14 million followers, did John Cena decide to hit follow on a semi-abandoned account about becoming a dad?
The guy has openly said he doesn’t want kids. So… are we getting the first scoop on a possible change of heart? Did he stumble across the hashtags I use—#NewDad, #FirstTimeDad, #Fatherhood—and suddenly think, you know what, maybe this dad stuff isn’t so bad? Who knows. 🤔
At the end of the day, it’s not a big deal, but it’s also hilarious to scroll past a list of sex bots and see John Cena in there.
Want to join the ranks of OnlyFans bots and John Cena? Go ahead and follow Dad Psych on X. Maybe I’ll even start posting again.
A quick meme
Sorry, not sorry
Dad Psych has managed to pull in sponsors!
…and they’ve kindly agreed to sponsor this edition. High 5s all around.
By clicking on just a few (or all if you’re in a good mood) of the links below, I’m able to cover the subscription fees to keep pumping this email out to you for free. No signup crap, all I’m kindly asking for here is a simple click.
Also, don’t be worried about security, these links are vetted by Beehiiv, the newsletter provider I use. You wouldn’t be seeing them if they were dodgy.
You’ll be doing me a huge favour. Thank you!
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That’s about it for now, have a great week!
- Dan from Dad Psych
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