Blake Kasemeier, a father of two from Los Angeles, has created an engaging series on social media entitled “This Week in Fatherhood,” which offers a reflective glimpse into the everyday experiences of raising his sons, aged six and three. Initially a private journaling venture, this weekly chronicle has evolved into a public archive celebrating the small, meaningful moments that often go unnoticed in the hustle of family life.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/BlakeofToday-061726-1-af6c3eea5ca94338a2999c843aafd7b4.jpg)
Every week, Kasemeier diligently notes various events that resonate with him, whether it’s witnessing his son running a mile in the driveway or having an insightful conversation about gender norms, such as why boys can wear pink. He captures both the humorous and poignant, recalling anecdotes that include a misadventure with a battery and his youngest son’s inquisitive nature.
The video series began over three years ago, and instead of concentrating on significant milestones typical of family life, Kasemeier has chosen to shine a light on the subtler, yet equally impactful memories. In one heartfelt episode, he reflects on the evolution of his eldest son’s way of addressing him, recalling how the transition from “dada” to “daddy,” and eventually “dad” – with interspersed instances of “Blake” – evokes nostalgia and bittersweet awareness of the passage of time.
Initially, the now 42-year-old father had no aspirations of sharing his reflections publicly. Following a viral moment during the pandemic with a meme about the reality show “Ink Master,” he decided to explore different types of content on TikTok. To his surprise, it was his authentic personal storytelling about fatherhood that truly resonated with viewers. “The internet kind of told me that’s what I was going to do,” Kasemeier explains, acknowledging the public’s appetite for genuine narratives in an age often dominated by unrealistic portrayals of family life.
Kasemeier’s hesitance to delve too deeply into parenting content stemmed from a desire to avoid the extremes prevalent in online portrayals of parenthood—either disillusioned parents sharing a comedic take on family life or those showcasing a flawlessly curated version of it. Instead, he chooses to focus on the reality of everyday experiences, capturing the beauty in both the mundane and extraordinary facets of being a father.
His selfie-style videos, often filmed during routine activities like meal preparation or personal grooming, invite viewers into his world, offering candid looks at his day-to-day life. “The more specific I am, the more relatable stuff is,” he reflects, emphasising how his candidness often fosters deeper connections with his audience. His entries, typically around 200 words, begin as more extensive musings, filtered down to encapsulate essential insights.
The experience of compiling these videos has also taken on a poignant significance for Kasemeier, particularly following the loss of his mother to lung cancer in 2018. He expresses a longing for the kind of inner monologue she could have shared; a sentiment that drives his desire to document his thoughts for his children. “I desperately wish my mum would have done something like this,” he laments, adding depth to his understanding of how fleeting moments with loved ones can be.
In contemplating his children’s growth, Kasemeier acknowledges a profound lesson in the nature of time. With thoughts of his eldest son eventually turning 20, he reflects on the realisation that he, too, is experiencing his own impermanence. “By the time my kids have families of their own, I’ll be in my 70s,” he muses, this understanding only intensifying his commitment to capturing each fleeting moment.
As Father’s Day approaches, Kasemeier finds himself reflecting on how the significance of the day has shifted. No longer merely a time for a brief phone call to his dad, he now savours the chance to witness his sons establishing their own traditions. He talks fondly of how his eldest enjoys baking, often collaborating with his mother to surprise the family with homemade decorations and treats.
In reviewing the plethora of videos he’s crafted over the years, Kasemeier articulates a sense of pride. To him, these clips transcend mere entertainment, becoming a repository of cherished memories akin to poetry. He comments, “There’s this body of three years that exists that my family can look back on. It’s three years of poems.”
Ultimately, Kasemeier’s journey of fatherhood invites self-reflection. As he observes his children’s unconditional love for him, he acknowledges a need for self-acceptance, recognising that if they can love him that profoundly, he too should nurture that same love for himself. The simple but profound narratives shared in “This Week in Fatherhood” serve not only as a time capsule for his sons but also a heartfelt reminder of the enduring importance of cherishing both the small and significant moments in life.