Clayton simulates a conversation at the dinner table to help people fill a void for those who needing care and support.
Summer Clayton is a dad to millions of kids and it's a tag he wears proudly. Clayton offers people the chance to have an intimate conversation with their "father." Clayton's "Dinner With Dad" is a segment dedicated to helping people have a conversation they hoped to have with their parents. Clayton simulates a conversation with people and helps fill a void for those who long for a caring and considerate father. While it may seem like a small thing, millions are connecting with Clayton through his videos and leaving amazing messages for him. He has more than 2.5 million followers and some of his "Dinner With Dad" segments have more than 12 million views. Unconditional love, support and acceptance are some of the common themes of his videos.
The seemingly simple format sees Clayton, who role-plays "Dad," have conversations with his followers. He asks questions and checks in with you and your day as paternal figures usually do. Clayton's videos are from the POV of the "son" that his followers can assume. He sets down two plates of food and explains what's for dinner. He then blesses the food before checking in on you. Clayton embodies calm, stability and affection that many never get to experience from their paternal figures. After every question, Clayton sits in silence waiting for the viewer to fill in the void before telling them things will be alright and that he loves them.
It just goes to show what it means to have someone enquiring about something as simple as "how your day went?" Relationship coach and couples counselor Don Olund explained that stability and connection were two of the fundamental cravings children have from their parents. Clayton's videos are an example of so many people trying to fill that void even way into adulthood, in the sense most of us never stop needing that connection with our parents. His latest two “Dinner With Dad” segments notched up a combined 4.5 million views.
The comments section is filled with people who were incredibly moved by the interaction and recalling their relationship with their parents. “I’m never gonna have something like this again,” wrote one person, while another added, “I would die for my parents to say they are proud of me just once.” Some even respond to him like he's their Dad. “Hi Dad, I got into volleyball,” wrote one person. Another person confided, “Dad…I can’t sleep thinking about how scared I am of real life.”
Clayton playing Dad isn't limited to just dinner conversations though. He makes birthday cakes, tucks you into bed and more. In one video, he reminded followers that no dad is perfect. "I wanted to remind you guys that I am a content creator. Not a real dad. And no real Dad is perfect. I make this to help people smile a little bit 😁," he wrote. In one video, he highlights his reaction to his son coming out to him. The on-screen text reads: "When my kid come out to me." Clayton offers a chip to his "kid" simulating acceptance before jokingly snatches it back and puts it in his mouth in a typical exhibition of "dad behavior." He repeats the same thing for a straight kid, highlighting the importance of acceptance. "I’ll love you just the same. Dad jokes all around😂😂" he captioned the video.
Clayton also posts practical life skills that paternal figures teach their kids including tying a tie, shaving and more. "I just want to say thank you for your tutorial videos I do have parents but I’m just scared to ask them to help with stuff, so thank you 💙," wrote one person. Another person added, "Hi Dad, just wanted you to know that school isn’t going great and I’ve lost a lot in my life but I’m still trying :)" He responded, "I hope you’re proud :)"