Dad Feeds 18-Month-Old Son a Pickle After Work. Two Years Later, It’s Still ‘Their Thing’ (Exclusive)

Dad’s Sweet Tradition of Sharing a Pickle with Son Goes Viral

Every day, when Sheldon Robyck comes home from work, he transitions immediately into ‘dad mode.’ He picks up his 2 ½-year-old son, Cooper, and they head to the kitchen to share a special snack together. It all started in late 2023 when Sheldon, 28, picked a pickle as his snack choice one day. When he shared it with little Cooper, he was taken aback when the toddler ended up devouring the entire pickle. Cooper was just 18 months old at the time, but that moment sparked an unexpected tradition between father and son.

Janie Robyck, 27, reveals exclusively to PEOPLE that Cooper became obsessed with pickles after that first introduction. “He loved it. He called them ‘kickles’ for a while,” she says. “It became a little tradition. Toddlers thrive on routine, so it just became another part of his evening to-do list. It became their thing.” Janie adds that not giving Cooper a pickle when Sheldon came home would lead to tears and a major meltdown. The bond between father and son strengthened over their shared love for this simple snack.

In a heartwarming turn of events, Janie decided to share an old video of Cooper eating a pickle at 18 months on TikTok. The video quickly went viral, garnering over 1.8 million views. The same video was also posted on TikTok in October 2023, where it received upwards of 3.5 million views. In the video, Sheldon is seen on the floor playing with Cooper, feeding him a pickle. Janie captioned the video, “We accidentally Pavlov’d our son into thinking he gets a pickle when his dad comes home from work, so now they have to share one every day or he has the biggest meltdown you’ve ever seen in your life.”

Speaking to PEOPLE, Janie shares her experience of sharing her family’s moments on TikTok for the past two years. The unexpected popularity of the pickle video was a pleasant surprise for her. “I hope that this video just continues to make people happy,” she expresses. The video not only brought joy to viewers but also resonated with many who shared similar stories about their families. Janie has since expanded her content creation on TikTok, offering a glimpse into their lives and spreading positivity.

Looking ahead, Janie reveals that even as Cooper approaches his third birthday in April, sharing a pickle with his dad after work remains a cherished ritual. “I make sure to keep our fridge stocked with pickles, our favorite is Grillo’s,” she shares. The bond formed over a simple snack has become a symbol of love and connection between father and son, captivating the hearts of millions online.

The heartwarming tale of Sheldon and Cooper Robyck showcases the power of simple traditions in strengthening family bonds and creating lasting memories. Their pickle-sharing tradition not only brought them closer but also touched the hearts of viewers worldwide. As Janie continues to share their family’s journey on social media, their story serves as a reminder of the joy found in everyday moments and the beauty of family connections that transcend the digital realm.

The unexpected viral sensation of a father-son duo bonding over a pickle stands as a testament to the enduring charm of authentic family moments in an increasingly digital age. Janie, Sheldon, and Cooper’s story serves as a heartening reminder of the power of love, routine, and shared experiences in shaping precious memories that resonate with audiences far and wide.