Manayunk father Joe Gidjunis strives to be a good one to his son, so he started asking other dads and experts about the very topic.

That endeavor became the catalyst for a new PBS show, “Grown Up Dad,” led by Gidjunis, writes Rita Giordano for The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

The documentary series examines modern fatherhood.

“I cannot believe I’m going to get to turn on TV in a couple of weeks and see my face and my son and my family trying to help everyone — including ourselves — to be better parents,” said Gidjunis, 41.

Kathryn Larson, vice president of content distribution at WNED PBS, said the network was in on the project because of the lack of programs on TV or elsewhere to help new fathers, compared to new mothers.

Growing up, Gidjunis’ father worked hard to be a good provider, but his frequent business trips forced him to be away sometimes weeks at a time. 

Gidjunis didn’t want that for him and his son. 

“I just really felt unprepared to be the kind of dad I wanted to be,” said Gidjunis. 

For him, it’s about being the father his 7-year-old son deserves.  

“Grown Up Dad” will debut in Philadelphia on WHYY June 16.

Read more about a Philly father’s quest to be a good dad at The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

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