Your S’pore Story: ‘I want my content to be more raw so other dads can relate to them too’
This father is showing what parenting really looks like in all its chaotic and candid glory on TikTok – and wants others to know they are not alone
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Content creator Benjamin Lee keeps it real in slice-of-life TikTok videos featuring his two-year-old son Teddy.
PHOTO: SPH MEDIA
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When Mr Benjamin Lee first became a father two years ago, he did what many new parents would do: turn to the internet for guidance. But as he scrolled through pages of parenting tips, he noticed something missing – the voices of fellow fathers.
In December last year, the 33-year-old, who works in marketing, decided to bridge that gap by starting a TikTok channel
Watch his video here.
What began as a casual post has since evolved into a growing platform that blends dad jokes, millennial nostalgia and the realities of modern parenting – from managing toddler meltdowns and sharing unfiltered school pick-up conversations, to preparing his son for “corporate life” with toy laptops.
But beneath the humour lies a more personal goal: to document fatherhood in all its authentic, chaotic and heartfelt moments and to create a space for more dads to feel seen, heard and supported.
Mr Lee shares more about his parenting journey and how TikTok became a digital journal for both father and son.
Whether it is featuring playtime or doing silly skits, creating TikTok videos has helped Mr Lee carve out more quality time with his son.
PHOTO: SPH MEDIA
“While caring for Teddy, I looked online for parenting guides and tips but couldn’t find anything relatable. All I saw were polished, role-model-type mums with their kids, and I felt that it didn’t reflect reality.
Having experienced parenthood first-hand, I knew that not everything is as pretty as it seems. There are struggles – the meltdowns, the rambling and the unpredictable antics – and many of these moments are often not shared online.
With my channel, I wanted to create something more raw and real that other parents could genuinely relate to.
I posted my first video in December last year. It only got about 100 views. But the one that changed things was about Teddy coming down with hand, foot and mouth disease. That video received over 40,000 views, with other parents sharing their own experiences and asking for advice.
That was when I realised I could use the platform to share my learnings with other parents.
These days, about 30 per cent of my videos are inspired by TikTok trends. The rest come from our daily lives – moments Teddy and I go through, or situations with a more local flavour.
Of course, it’s not always smooth. Sometimes we film a video in one take, but other times, Teddy just isn’t in the mood! I usually try to catch him after his shower or when he’s had enough food and sleep.
Creating content with Teddy has definitely brought us closer because we get to spend more time together. Sometimes, our followers recognise us in public too, and Teddy is always happy when people wave or smile at him.
Some videos – like those of Teddy crying – have drawn comments asking if I posted them to gain more views. But I need my videos to be authentic and kids do break down in public like that.
I want my content to be more raw so other dads can relate to them too. When they comment ‘same, bro’ on my videos, I feel like I’ve struck a chord.
My wife has been supportive from the start. She sees the videos as a way to document Teddy’s growth. If TikTok is still around when he’s older, he’ll have something to look back on.
For now, as long as he’s happy and healthy, that’s all that matters to me.”
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