For Father’s Day, we’re taking time to reflect on the incredible bond between dads and their sons. What do dads teach us? What role do they play in our lives? In honour of fathers and all that they do, we spoke to some sons and dads who talked intimately about what fatherhood means to them and how they’ve been shaped by their personal father-and-son relationships.

Life Lessons From My Father

From how to fix things around the house to nurturing relationships and key career advice, Steve, Madison and Andy tell us the most valued life lessons that they learned from their dads.

Steven Dodds

As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate my dad immensely and how he has shaped me. His onset of Alzheimer’s has forced me to look more closely at his merits and guidance, as the Dad I once knew slowly fades from view. I’ve come to realise that I’ve learned a great deal from my dad by watching and observing, not just from the ‘’pearls of wisdom’’ he has shared with me.  

Madison Bailey

My Dad Andy is a business coach so he’s pretty great at giving measured advice and helping people to work through obstacles, teach them how to be better leaders or advise them how to make their businesses run more efficiently. As a college student, I now look back at some of the things Dad instilled in me as a child and I can definitely see how he translated his key wisdom into lessons to live life by. 

Andy McAleese

I lost my dad, Robert, to cancer over 20 years ago.  His bold, thoughtful and reassuring nature has stood me in good stead throughout my life. He was someone who led by example, believing that fulfilment comes from loving what you do, his own career change being testimony to this.  

The Ultimate Gift of Togetherness

Show your dad love and appreciation with a special gift of matching Tom & Teddy swimmers – the ultimate symbol of togetherness and a sign that you are united for fun times… in or out of the water.