Robert Herjavec's Father's Day Secret: Just Show Up

When Robert Herjavec's 8-year-old daughter Haven told him she loved him more than her stuffed bunny, the Shark Tank star knew he'd reached a parenting milestone. For a child who's carried the same toy since she was 2 months old, this was the ultimate declaration of love.

Herjavec, who shares twins Haven and Hudson with wife Kym Johnson-Herjavec, keeps Father's Day celebrations refreshingly simple. The kids wake him up with handmade cards, attempt to make breakfast, and then they just hang out together. His office walls are covered with their artwork and crayon creations.

"My wife always says my style of parenting is constant chaos and activity," Herjavec admits. He used to plan every minute of their days together, scheduling activities down to the half hour. But he's discovered something more valuable: the magic happens in quiet moments when they're simply together.

This wisdom came from his own father, Vladimir, who immigrated to Canada when Robert was young. Vladimir arrived at 37 years old on a boat with his wife and son, speaking no English and carrying no money. The family lived in someone's basement for 18 months while Vladimir worked tirelessly to build a new life.

Growing up, Herjavec wished for more time with his hardworking dad. But as adults, they found their rhythm. Every Father's Day, Robert would show up at his father's house without fail. Sometimes he'd bring a new car for his dad to admire, but they rarely took it for a spin. Instead, they'd sit at the kitchen table, share a scotch, and just talk.

"I learned later on that was really special to him, the fact that I showed up," Herjavec reflects. "I don't think I missed an in-person Father's Day." His father passed away in August 2024, making this year's celebration particularly meaningful.

Sunny's Take

Herjavec carries his father's memory forward by applying the same principle with his own children. He's learned that kids don't need expensive outings or packed schedules. They need presence, not presents. When he thinks about what more he could have done for his father, he reminds himself to focus on the good moments they shared. Now he's creating those same memories with Haven and Hudson, whether they're visiting museums, playing at the park, or cuddling with the family dog Trixie.

For anyone facing their first Father's Day without a dad, Herjavec offers gentle wisdom: remember the good things. "If we remember the people we love in our heart, they're never really gone," he says.

His daughter's bunny comparison reminds him that love isn't measured in grand gestures but in showing up, being present, and making ordinary moments extraordinary.