Citykin Dads Reflect on Father’s Day

Our resident Citykin dad founders Olly and Drummond went to Secondary school together. For those of you (Americans, ME) who are like HUH, that is equivalent to junior high and high school. Dallia and I sent them questions about Father’s Day and asked their British selves to get uncomfortably reflective. The similarity in their responses to the questions is almost comical. Disclaimer: they are the tidy, clean, domestic Gods in the household so Dallia and I are doing some reflection this weekend on their desires to live a Father’s Day devoid of cleaning and organizing.#noted. Ladies, yes the grass is greener but let us tell you, being stalked by a Dyson 24-7 isn’t all that much fun either. Being British and Father’s Day was not really a deal for them growing up. To that I speak for the American Citykin contingency…we LOVE us a solid Hallmark holiday.

By Drummond and Olly, citykin dads who know how to manhandle a dyson and a complex stroller.

(L to R) Patrice, Macklin, Dallia, Drummond holding Aden, Farrah, Olly and Jenson. Get these men a Dyson each and some special cleaning rags from the UK and they are IN FATHER’S DAY NIRVANA!

Is Fathers Day a special day for you?

Drummond: It never was a thing in my house growing up, although since having children and the way that my wife celebrates it (she gives me very thoughtful gifts every year)- it has grown in significance.

Olly: To be honest, no. I didn't grow up in a house that made a deal about these kind of days so I'm still getting my head around the concept, this being my 6th one for me!

What would your dream Fathers Day celebration include?

Drummond: Sleep in, run, go swimming with kids, then have lunch together at Habana Outpost.. which is in Fort Green Brooklyn, our old hood. Essentially just family time! Would be nice to have a completely tidy house and no chores to do!

Olly: Probably a bit of early morning me time, to exercise, read, wake up slowly. Then spend time altogether doing something we can all participate in - these days that's probably cooking pancakes, maybe in the future it will be sports as a family but for now we spend a lot of time at Court 16 Tennis in Brooklyn as the guys are still very little! Getting pictures drawn by them is always fun too. Afternoon beers and food at Industry City would cap it off nicely

What would you like to get for Fathers Day?

Drummond: A new summer wardrobe. Formal work shirts from bonobo, or after shave (Tom Ford or Acqua di Parma green). Wow, I sounded basic there. A family picture would be nice. Alternatively I’d be happy to just have a few hours to myself to watch World War 2 in color, or some other equally lame dad orientated documentary that interests nobody else

Olly: My laptop bag looks really sorry for itself at the moment. Been looking at some from STATE bags, which is founded by a couple who live literally around the corner from us in Brooklyn.

What is the most (or one of) memorable day or moment you've had as a dad?

Drummond: Births no doubt but quickly followed by time we’ve spent together as a family on holiday. Most memorable moments have actually been swimming for both kids. Seeing Farrah swim on her own for the first time recently was also really rewarding, especially since she initially hated it. We’ve been going every year to a place in Mexico called Azul Beach which is like a resort for parents who hate the wrist band vibe of family resorts. You feel like you’re on an adult vacation here but everything is easy!

Olly: The births really stand out of course, plus holidays all together and day trips that mean you're much more present that time at home in normal routine life.

Hardest thing about being a dad?

Drummond: Not having enough time together. Both Dallia and I work long hours and have obligations that mean we don’t work 9-5 hours every day. I often travel and miss the kids. Additionally, without local family and therefore support, it’s hard to balance work/time together plus any personal time.

Time together can be hard when life pulls you in many directions and you’re away from family

Olly: Our generation of dads are pulled in more directions than any before them - there's more expected of us in the home, which I'm not saying is necessarily a bad thing, but managing expectations from home / work / friends invariably leads to compromises on all levels and I'm yet to fully accept that

Best place in the city as a dad to take your kids?

Drummond: There are so many great parks- Domino Park in particular as love being by the water. Taking the water taxi around Manhattan during good weather is highly recommended! As is the choice of 1000s of great restaurants; the kids love NY pizza!

Olly: Places like the oculus and all the different food shops on our Brooklyn high street, watching them get fascinated and lost in exploring the things around them. Brooklyn Bridge Park and anywhere where I can see them run at full tilt is always great too - it makes you want to be a kid again!

What is something that took you by surprise at how you felt after you became a dad?

Drummond: Having to set so many rules and boundaries is tiresome and tedious. However, I never thought I’d love seeing them develop as quick as they are and most of all, watching them interact with each other. I never realized how rewarding this could be

Olly: I didn't think I'd be the 'bad cop', but I guess if you marry someone very fun there's that risk there....

Good cop. Bad Cop. Guess whose idea it was to go to Coney Island post Kindergarden graduation?!