Phoenix Dad's Solo Grocery Trip Ignites Debate on Modern Fatherhood and Partner Appreciation

Phoenix, AZ A recent social media post by local father Ricky Bee, known online as RICKY BEE | BETTER PARENT, has sparked widespread discussion on the evolving roles of fathers in daily childcare. The video, uploaded on August 1, 2025, shows Bee navigating a grocery store with his two young children, one in a baby carrier and the other in a shopping cart, in Phoenix's scorching 108-degree heat. In the video, Bee states, "Absolutely nothing will build you more as a father... than just being solo." He explains that taking on tasks like grocery shopping alone with young children, without the help of his partner, is his "secret sauce" for personal growth and for fostering greater respect for his partner's daily efforts. "Nothing will make you respect your girl more than getting out and doing what is done by the women in our lives that are doing it," he asserts. The video has resonated with many, drawing thousands of comments from both mothers and fathers. One commenter noted, "women aren't inherently better parents. it's that we're left to figure it out from the beginning and a lot of men never take the chance to figure it out at all. you have to actively parent in order to learn how to do it better." Another praised, "Grateful for a man that does this and without being asked or instructed. 💪🏽" While many applauded his efforts, some comments highlighted the double standard, with one user stating, "How many comments from people did you get doing this 😂 people ignore moms doing this but gush over dads doing it." The discussion underscores a broader societal conversation about shared parenting responsibilities and the recognition of parental labor.

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Why parenting solo could be the key to stronger fatherhood

So how can fathers shift the balance? TikTok creator and dadfluencer Ricky Bee has a simple answer: spend time parenting solo.