Supportive Dad DIYs Wooden Shelves For Daughter's K-Pop Merch Collection

Parents have proven time and again how much they are willing to exert effort and time just to make their children happy. Take for example this dad from Urdaneta City, Pangasinan who has shown his full support to his K-Pop fan daughter.

Meet daddy Michael Bristol. The 47-year-old father of three is his family's go-to handyman when it comes to DIY (do-it-yourself) projects at home. His latest project is two wooden shelves he built for daughter Nicole Angela Bristol who is a fan of the Korean boy group BTS.

Nicole recently shared the finished project on the Facebook community 'Home Buddies' and has been gaining attention from other K-Pop fans.

In an interview with Smart Parenting, Nicole shared that she has been listening to BTS since 2019 but only started collecting merch in May 2020. She says her parents have always been supportive of her being a fangirl of the K-Pop group.

"They both ask me questions in order for them to understand why I support BTS. Eventually, they learned that BTS are kind-hearted and are a good influence to their fans," the 23-year-old shared.

In fact, when her collection grew, it was Nicole's dad who proposed to make a shelf so, they can also save on the cost.

"As my collection grew bigger, my dad suggested building a shelf in order for me to avoid buying one. We started with the first shelf wherein it was previously occupied by a window," she recalled.

Come November 2021, Nicole requested another wooden shelf from her dad, one that "would fit the different sizes of K-Pop merch in order for me to declutter the shelves." Both the two shelves cost them around Php7,000 for the materials.

"Both are free of labor charge since it was constructed by my dad but it was labored with all his love and support," Nicole flexed.

Aside from the shelves, Michael also DIY-ed a table and a mesh wireframe for Nicole. He really is his family's DIY master!

Before this project, Nicole says her dad also DIY-ed their kitchen cabinet, a chicken coop for her brother, and "also the one who planned, designed and mainly constructed the house." 

Parents supporting their children

Parents should be "open-minded with compassion towards their child being a fangirl or fanboy because it gives a sense of respect to their child," says Nicole. "It also makes the child feel understood, important, and valued. For me, being open to one another is a sign of trust, respect, and love."

For his part, although he probably doesn't fully understand the whole K-Pop concept, Michael says he takes fulfillment in supporting his children.

"Kung anong maitutulong ko para maipakita 'yung suporta sa pagiging fan mo, basta kaya, gagawin," he tells Nicole.

He also has this message to other parents who have children who are also passionate about following not just K-Pop groups but other things as well: "Be supportive and let your child experience and do whatever they want that makes them happy just guide them properly in order for them not to get harmed.

"There may be times when you feel as if you don’t know your child, or are disappointed by some of their choices. Try to be as loving and supportive as you can through all of their trials... If you can do this, they’re more likely to rely on you, share their struggles and come to you when they need help."

Kudos to your DIY projects and parenting outlook, daddy Michael!

Click here for a look back at some of the most read and shared DIY projects of parents in 2021.