The other week we presented a gift guide for Father’s Day. From kayaks to cardigans (and of course, Johnnie Walker), the list guarantees thoughtful ideas (yes, beyond socks and books) for the father figures in your life.
However, Father’s Day is not just about giving the “perfect” gift – and we feel it’s about time we give the father figures in our lives the consideration that they deserve. It’s a unique relationship to navigate – the one between father and child – and with the help of Johnnie Walker, we further connected with our gift guide experts Al-Basser Holly, Travis Gumbs, and Carlos Quirarte to gain better insight into the vast experience of fatherhood.
As fathers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and certifiable cool dads, the trio give us a look at the less conventional topics that surround fatherhood and give us tips on how we can authentically celebrate those who we lean on most.
“Fatherhood is an evolving concept,” Gumbs explains. As an expert Holistic Healer, he is unafraid to take a more rooted, less traditional approach to his own life and parenting style. “Our generation is practicing new styles of parenting, as well as new ways of introspectively understanding ourselves.” Leading by example, Gumbs expresses that to raise a child one needs to be “present, patient, and consistent every day.”
Holly, an abstract artist, echoes the sentiment that to do better, you need to be better. As an individual who works in the fast-paced, ever-changing art industry, Holly still admits that, “Being a father is the most work any man will do in his life – if he’s doing it right.” While the journey isn’t always linear, he emphasizes the fact that consistency is key. “Some days you fail at reaching your goals, but that doesn't stop you from striving to do your best.”
Quirate, a hospitality aficionado, agrees with the supportive sentiment. “It is about setting a positive example for them and demonstrating selflessness and commitment,” he says. While our fathers are giving the best of themselves to us, the question lingers: How can we better support them? For Quirate, an expert in the people business, the answer is simple. “We can begin to better honor fathers by recognizing the important role they play in the lives of their children and giving them a genuine appreciation for the work they do. From the mundane to the extraordinary, it can go a long way.”
Here’s our pro tip on Father’s Day: if you can’t afford a gift, don’t sweat it. Recognition and respect can go a long way. Learn more about the ever-evolving importance of Father’s Day with Johnnie Walker below:
What does fatherhood mean in today's world?
It means EVERYTHING, especially as an African American father in our society today. There’s always been stereotypes of the dad not being around and it’s beautiful to be a part of changing that perception.
How do you think we can begin to better honor fathers?
We can start by remembering what day Father’s Day is! All jokes aside, I think our role is to protect, so sometimes that can be interpreted into the idea that we don’t want to be celebrated, but that is for sure not the case. Just recognizing that we like more than just socks helps.
What’s one aspect of fatherhood that people don’t talk about enough?
How extremely hard it is. Being a father is the most work any man will do in his life – if he’s doing it right. It’s very stressful and very rewarding at the same time, especially when you have two daughters to look after!
In your opinion, what’s the best non-material Father’s Day gift this year?
I have a five-month-old and just having her here with us is honestly the best gift I could have this year.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy Johnnie Walker?
With one big ice cube and apple juice. That’s my way.
What does fatherhood mean in today's world?
Fatherhood is an evolving concept. Our generation is practicing new styles of parenting, as well as new ways of introspectively understanding ourselves. Being the father of a young boy, I think a lot about how to lead by example so that he internalizes lessons that will help him grow up to be a well-rounded and responsible man.
How do you think we can begin to better honor fathers?
What holds the greatest importance for me in terms of honor is the affection and admiration I receive from my son. It's the warm embrace and kiss on the cheek before bedtime, his inadvertent cues that guide me to become a better version of myself, and the way he gazes up to me with unwavering trust to help him find his way in this world. As a parent, the ultimate honor is when your child recognizes that they can rely on your unconditional love and support as the bedrock for their life journey, free from any criticism or judgment.
What’s one aspect of fatherhood that people don’t talk about enough?
How hard it is. You need to be present, patient, and consistent every day. Not only for yourself, but also for your kid and your partner, or whoever you are raising your child with. The difficulty in managing all aspects of your life, while striving to be the cool, calm, and collected parent that it takes to raise a cool, calm, and collected child. Some days you fail at reaching your goals, but that doesn't stop you from striving to do your best.
In your opinion, what’s the best non-material Father’s Day gift this year?
Time.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy Johnnie Walker?
With some homemade sparkling ginger ale
What does fatherhood mean in today's world?
Fatherhood in today's world is about being a role model and mentor for your kids, providing guidance and support, and taking an active role in their development. It is about setting a positive example for them and demonstrating selflessness and commitment.
How do you think we can begin to better honor fathers?
We can begin to better honor fathers by recognizing the important role they play in the lives of their children and giving them a genuine appreciation for the work they do. From the mundane to the extraordinary, it can go a long way.
What’s one aspect of fatherhood that people don’t talk about enough?
One aspect of fatherhood that people don’t talk about enough about is the emotional labor that fathers often take on. Fathers can often be the ones to provide a sense of comfort and security to their children, in addition to the practical roles they play.
In your opinion, what’s the best non-material Father’s Day gift this year?
In my opinion, the best non-material Father's Day gift this year would be spending quality time with the father in your life. Whether it's a day out together or simply having dinner and talking, quality time is a great way to show appreciation and express love.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy Johnnie Walker?
My favorite way to enjoy Johnnie Walker is with a few friends, in a relaxed setting. I think Johnnie Walker is best enjoyed when shared with the people you care about, so having a few drinks together is always a great way to spend a night.
