Let’s just get this out of the way: Father's Day, like Mother's Day, can be a difficult time for some. Either their parental figure is no longer with them, or in some cases, they may've never been in the picture at all. Not to start on a low note, but thinking about situations like that makes us appreciate our parents even more—especially the older we get, right? Father's Day is a few weeks away, and I always considered it a day to give your old man a break and make breakfast, but it's so much more than that. It's a time to acknowledge the father figure in your life for providing more than a paycheck and food in the fridge, but someone you can have honest conversations with or go to for real-life advice. Those are the kind of dads we aspire to be.

The holiday certainly hits differently for me since becoming a father. I give myself a pat on the back, but seeing my son evolve in a caring and inquisitive way lets me know I'm doing something right. Like a lot of things, you don't fully grasp how challenging the job is until you get it. From the sleepless nights and diaper changes to navigating the swings of his emotions as a toddler, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Fatherhood overall looks a lot different now than 50 years ago. Hell, even ten years ago. And I'd say there's been a drastic change for the good. Society is a lot more forgiving to dads today, and that's likely due to the fact that so many of us are actively trying to be more present in our kids' lives. From carpool pickup to practice and even staying home to take care of the kids, being a committed dad is part of the new Renaissance man today. We caught up with a few cool dads—stylish guys who are no stranger to the Valet. audience who just happen to have kids as well—to see what Father's Day means to them, what are some challenges of “Dad Life” in 2023, and the essential products they rely on the most.