Another dad called him ‘weird’ for helping his 4-year-old daughter with potty training — he shut it down in the best way
Ideas about fatherhood have changed significantly over the years, yet some parenting responsibilities are still viewed through a gendered lens. Tasks such as discussing puberty or managing everyday hygiene are often seen by some as a mother's responsibility, particularly when daughters are involved. A TikTok creator who goes by @jcoulsworld1 highlighted this divide in a video shared on May 13, 2026. He was discussing the challenges of helping his 4-year-old daughter learn how to use the toilet. However, his friend not only called it weird, but also commented that it is the mother's job. He didn't hesitate to reprimand him.
@jcoulsworld1 Miss me with that I can’t be around their daughters #girldad ♬ original sound - Our Coultures World
After brazenly exclaiming that such responsibilities belonged entirely to the child's mother, the friend added that fathers should not "be around girls like that," implying that helping with bathroom routines crossed an inappropriate boundary. The comments immediately angered the man. He pushed back, arguing that there is nothing wrong about a father caring for his own child and that the real issue was a parent who felt uncomfortable being around his daughter in that way. He told his friend that such thinking was "weird" and said he needed to grow up before speaking to him again, ultimately ending the friendship over the exchange.
For many viewers, the conversation was never really about potty training. Even in his view, the red flag was not about a father changing diapers or helping with potty training, but a parent who believes those responsibilities become inappropriate just because the child is a daughter. If a father feels awkward discussing periods, helping with hygiene, or assisting with age-appropriate health needs simply because his child is a girl, that discomfort often reflects his own beliefs. @justthesameoldg said, "I told a coworker how I used to babysit my niece. He told me he would feel weird caring for her. I looked at him and just stepped away." @zubiaste commented, "I have never felt weird or awkward with my dad. My husband has no issues teaching our daughter how to properly wipe and be clean." @Gabriela also wrote, "Thank you for saying the quiet part out loud."
While many fathers actively participate in their daughters' care, discomfort around certain responsibilities can persist as girls grow older. According to the Pew Research Center, 57% of mothers with children under five say they handle more of their kids' basic needs than their partners. A survey reported by Business Wire found that 80% of fathers believe teaching daughters about menstruation is primarily a mom's responsibility. The duties of parenting do not change based on whether a child is a son or a daughter. What often needs to change instead are the assumptions adults bring into those relationships.
For more such stories on fatherhood, follow @jcoulsworld1 on TikTok.