We’re addressing the elephant in the room.
Maybe it was never really about us - the children left behind, and the women grappling with the legacy of their upbringing. Perhaps the real issue is the societal acceptance of fathers abandoning their families. Together, we’re redefining the insult that has named our trauma - giving it new life, and taking back the power we lost along the way.
Get involved with Daddy Issues.
Daddy Issues is a rallying point for anyone who’s ever felt bogged down by the label - those of us navigating the murky waters of life without a dad, feeling a bit lost, and craving a sense of belonging. It’s about challenging a term that’s been used to box us in, transforming it into a declaration of our strength, resilience, and ability to thrive despite it all.
This movement has a gutsy spirit, inspired by the people it hopes to reach. It’s a testament to the fact that, yes, we’ve got “daddy issues”, but look at the mountains we’ve moved in spite of them. It’s proof that our stories, however marred by absence, are not just tales of loss but epic sagas of
self-discovery, healing, and badassery.
wHAT IS DADDY ISSUES (THE COMMUNITY)?
We know we aren’t alone. Using our collective voice: we hope to change how women feel about their “daddy issues”.
With 18.4 million children in the United States living without a father figure and 12.8 percent of Canadian children in similar circumstances, it’s clear that “daddy issues” aren’t going anywhere. We want to change how many people silently live with feelings of abandonment, rejection, or a fractured sense of self-worth because of them. The Daddy Issues community is a lifeline, a laugh in the face of the void, and a damn good place to land for anyone who’s felt the sting of an empty chair at the dinner table. Through the sharing of stories, the elevating of previously unheard voices - we want to offer hope, community, and a place to be quietly or loudly vulnerable supported by people who really get it.
Read the stories
Whether you’re part of The Club or not - these are the values that outline how we like do things at Daddy Issues.
Rules of The Daddy Issues Club.
See more
Our approach to sharing stories is informed by a deep understanding of trauma and a commitment to respecting diverse experiences, identities, and the stuff that you don’t get to leave behind.
Intersectional inclusivity
You don’t have to hide parts of yourself here - we appreciate you whole. We value genuine self-expression, embracing the raw and real aspects of our journeys with openness and honesty.
Supportive Authenticity
At Daddy Issues, we want to break the isolation of absent fatherhood, affirming it doesn't define us. We're dedicated to uplifting each other, offering support and tools to discover and embrace our inherent strength.
Empowered Together:
We thrive on ensuring no one feels alone, creating spaces online and in-person where connections can flourish. We're all about fostering a sense of belonging and building community based on shared experiences.
Community Connections:
At 14, my dad walked out, leaving me to navigate a world of hurt and confusion alone. Talk therapy was a game-changer, helping me to unlearn deep-seated fears of abandonment and a pattern of pleasing men at my expense. Despite those wins, I still felt like something was missing: people who truly understood what I had faced and survived. I created Daddy Issues for myself and for the teenagers, young women, and single mothers who are learning to navigate their life without a dad. These days, I’m learning to be kinder to myself, cherish the love I have, and share my journey with others.
I’m Hilary Walbourne. The woman behind Daddy Issues.
Growing up, the label “daddy issues” clung to me, its sting sharpest when hurled by those I cared about. This phrase, a supposed mark of shame, became a turning point. It taught me I wasn’t just a bystander to my circumstances. Daddy Issues isn’t just about confronting a personal or societal void; it’s about flipping the script. It’s recognizing the “issue” as a misdirected blame and turning it into our collective power. We are more than the narratives given to us; we are the authors of our own stories.
EXPLORE THE DADDY ISSUES BLOG
I’ll never forget the first time I was told I had “daddy issues” - like it was something I chose.
FOLLOW HILARY ON SOCIAL MEDIA
I’m a critical care nurse and real estate agent, with a dream of being an author. I’d brave almost anything for a Big Turk chocolate bar - my absolute weakness. Dream scenario for me? Basking in endless sunshine on a beach, lost in books and writing - Newfoundland’s chill a distant (but very fond) memory. Mascots are my kryptonite, and the easiest way to kick start the anxious sweats. Oh, and, solo vacations to warm destinations with 10 books in your suitcase? Best. Idea. Ever.
The fun facts
SOMETHING THAT CHANGED ME
The importance of community
As a teenager, loneliness felt like a shadow I couldn’t shake - a constant reminder of the dad-shaped gap in my life. Back then, I craved a circle of understanding: a group of women who’d nod and say, “We get it,” and who could assure me that my dad’s absence wasn’t a sign of my loveability or a roadmap of my future relationships. Daddy Issues sprang from this yearning for connection and reassurance. It’s my way of showing others like me that our pasts don’t fence us in. I want to highlight that absent fatherhood doesn’t dictate our worth or cap our achievements.
The fun facts
SOMETHING THAT CHANGED ME
The importance of community
Back when I was a kid, my parents got me this elephant ring during a family trip to Cuba. It was my little piece of everything's-gonna-be-okay, and around the time my dad left, I lost it. (This is super unlike me - I never lose anything!) Not long after, my mum, being the absolute hero, slipped a new one under my pillow with a note: "just because people leave doesn’t mean everything has to change." Hit me like a ton of bricks. I've got that elephant tattooed on me now. It’s my “forever” reminder that, hey, we can get through the tough stuff – together. To me, that’s the heart of Daddy Issues.
The fun facts
SOMETHING THAT CHANGED ME
The importance of community
This senior citizen has been through it all with me (including the creation of said “daddy issues”). Max is a total diva despite his basic name - and probably believes he runs the place. He’s forgiven for his attitude because he’s also the cuddliest dog to ever live - and he gets all the points for that.
Max
INTEGRAL
DADDY ISSUES
TEAM MEMBERS
This poodle pup is my “divorce dog” - the pet I begged to own after my dad’s departure from the family. He’s aptly named after Harry Potter’s Neville Longbottom - not so smart upon first glance, but the most loyal and loving friend. He’s a well-behaved boy because his brother is usually bringing the sass level to 100.
Neville
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
It’s incredibly brave of you to reach out and share what you’re going through. Dealing with a parent’s absence can feel overwhelming, but please know you’re not alone in this journey. While we at Daddy Issues offer a community of support and understanding, we strongly encourage seeking professional help for personalized and confidential assistance.
If you’re feeling hopeless or thinking about harming yourself, it’s important to talk to someone who can offer immediate support. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and there are people ready and willing to listen and support you through this. You deserve care, support, and the chance to heal and thrive.
Absolutely everyone is welcome in the Daddy Issues community. While my own experiences and many of our stories come from a female perspective, and our community is largely female-led, the impact of absent fathers transcends gender. We wholeheartedly invite people of all gender identities to join us, share their stories, contribute to our blog, and find solace and strength in our collective journey. Daddy Issues is dedicated to fostering a space that is inclusive, welcoming, and supportive for all who seek connection and understanding in navigating the challenges of absent fatherhood.
Currently, Daddy Issues thrives as a digital-first community, connecting individuals from various corners of the globe. However, we're excited about the future and are in the process of planning in-person events and programming to deepen our connections and bring our supportive community into a shared physical space. If you're interested in bringing Daddy Issues to your city or have ideas for events, we'd love to hear from you. Reach out and let's explore how we can make these gatherings a reality together.
Absolutely! Hilary Walbourne, the creator of Daddy Issues, has always had a passion for public speaking and feels right at home in front of an audience. She's eager to engage in meaningful dialogues, share insights, or participate in interviews and podcasts. If you're looking for a speaker who can add depth and perspective to your event or platform, we encourage you to reach out. Hilary is committed to spreading the message of Daddy Issues and contributing to conversations that make a real difference.
We're always open to new contributors and collaborators who share our mission. Whether you're interested in writing a blog post, sharing your story on social media, or just want to get involved in any capacity, don't hesitate to reach out. Fill out our contributor form and share your ideas; we're all about fostering a collaborative, inclusive space. Don't be shy - your story has the power to inspire and resonate with others.
Interested in contributing to the Daddy Issues archives?
We’re always looking for collaborators (named or anonymous) with stories that echo the resilience and diversity of women touched by the absence of a father. From reflections on how “daddy issues” shape adulthood, to stories of reconnection and future family dynamics, we welcome contributors from all backgrounds and life stages. It’s about showcasing the multifaceted impacts and moving beyond stereotypes.
Send us a note.
I want to thank the friends and family who stepped in to fill the gap that my father’s absence left in my life. To my uncle Mark, I miss you - and see you amongst the daisies. I owe so much to my mother - who raised a strong daughter on her own. I grieve and thank the man who left us - knowing his actions transformed me into the woman I am today.
- Hilary Walbourne
Daddy Issues is dedicated to the single mothers, the little girls who carried on regardless, and the people who held space for me when I needed it most.
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