Stepdad's Desire To Bond With His Stepdaughter Leads Him To Become A Taylor Swift Fan & 'Swiftie Dad'

Jun 21, 2023

The bond between a father and daughter is unique. Growing up, many daughters draw closer to their fathers and build up fun memories that will last them a lifetime. Interestingly, a strong father and daughter bond isn’t restricted to making childhood memories but essential in influencing her perception of men when she grows into a woman. An absentee father is likely to create daddy issues in a grown woman, fostering trust issues in her as an adult. Meanwhile, a present dad is likely to raise a woman void of this issue.

While a father-and-daughter bond is easy to build, the same may not be said of a stepfather-and-stepfather bond. In many cases, the stepfather either has to come into their stepdaughters’ lives when they are little or go the extra mile to connect with them. However difficult it has proven to be, many stepfathers have broken the barrier of the initial awkwardness, warming their stepdaughters' hearts to them. Once this hurdle is crossed, the rest is history. 

A Minnesota man, Rob Scharbach, is one stepdad who didn’t have to do so much to win his stepdaughter's affection. Scharbach came into his stepdaughter’s life when she was a preschooler. Although the stepfather and stepdaughter had a beautiful relationship, Scharbach wanted a stronger bond between them. 

There’s no known competition for father of the year. However, if one existed, Scharbach would be among the top contenders. Knowing his stepdaughter was a super fan of Taylor Swift from childhood, the intentional father went the extra mile to make sure he developed a similar interest in his daughter's favorite artists and shared his story in May 2023. He explained that he was "trying to learn as much as I can."

Once he was certain that his daughter was a Taylor Swift fan, known as a Swiftie, Scharbach joined a subreddit dedicated to Taylor Swift fans to connect with the pop star’s fans. In May 2023, he posted on Reddit about his inspiration for joining the subreddit.

“I’m a very proud 'swiftie dad' to my 13-year-old stepdaughter. She is OBSESSED with all things Taylor, talks about her all day, every day, sings her songs constantly, already has her Speak Now TV vinyl preordered, and she’s going to one of the Minneapolis shows next month with her mom…” he wrote.

The Swiftie dad went on further to appreciate his fellow Swifties on the platform for all the “talking points” they had provided him. From his write-up, it was clear that his reason for joining the platform worked.

"I’ve always had a very close relationship with her, but this has just enhanced that connection so much, and I love it. So thank you, all of you, for being such a wonderful fan base. I’m glad she’s a part of it."

Needless to say, that post garnered much love, with responses from Swiftie dads.

“Another Swiftie Dad here, but it was me that became a fan first and then converted my daughter and wife,” another Swiftie dad wrote.

Scharbach shared his gratitude for the encouragement:

"I just want to extend a thank you to all you die-hard fans for all the topics and talking points you've provided," Scahrbach wrote. "My daughter's face lights up like you wouldn't believe when I start dropping knowledge or asking if she's heard the same rumors, etc. I've always had a very close relationship with her, but this has just enhanced that connection so much and I love it."

What do you think of the stepdad’s actions to bond with his daughter? Would you go that length to form a bond with a loved one? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends and other Taylor Swift fans!