Show Dad you're willing to learn the techniques of regular brushing. Get a couple of decent brushes, practice smooth, even strokes on scrap pieces or sheet styrene, and you'll soon get good at it. Heck, you'll get the hang of it in one afternoon, probably.
Use patience, go slow, don't keep brushing over the same part while it's wet, and don't use too much paint.
You'll get it right soon enough. then, grab that airbrush and practice with it until you have the knack. Won't take long, maybe an hour or so to get the basic hang of it.
Glenn