The contributions of working dads during COVID-affected times remain front and centre. Some dads are juggling work, business and stepping into the role of being a teacher for their children, who are learning remotely, while some are increasing their share of housework amidst stay-at-home orders.
Five Shopify merchants explain the silver lining of being a working dad during the pandemic and why this year’s Father’s Day in lockdown was still a memorable one.
Incu – Doug Low, CEO
Doug Low, CEO at clothing brand Incu, notes a positive outcome of the pandemic as a working dad is slowing down and getting to enjoy the little moments in life.
“Personally, it means that on the weekend we do fewer activities and treasure the simple things more like eating a snack in the sun or going for a walk.
“Professionally, I’m working from home, which has meant that I have been able to see my wife and seven-month-old baby more,” Doug says.
Doug says Father’s Day will be memorable by getting outside and enjoying some activities.
“I enjoy cycling, so some quality active time on the bike would be excellent. At this point, a sunny day, having a picnic in the backyard and plenty of snacking throughout the day would be memorable.
“We’ve already been eating our way around the 5km radius this past few weeks and have had some great finds,” Doug says.
Good Citizens – Nik Robinson, Founder
The recent lockdowns have brought a whole new meaning to parenting, says sustainable sunglasses brand Good Citizens Founder, Nik Robinson, whose renowned eyewear is made from plastic bottles.
“Homeschooling has put a strain on every family and we’re no different,” he says. Since lockdown started we’ve chosen to divide and conquer. One of the boys comes with me to the workshop each day and one stays at home with mum.
“Whichever one comes with me is right in the thick of the business. They’re like little sponges, sucking up all the information they hear. The questions they ask after each phone call they overhear are surprisingly insightful.”
Nik says for Father’s Day, he’ll be taking a break in the middle of the day to get the kids and dog moving outdoors.
“I’d never normally do that. I’m usually glued to my workbench and phone all day, so I’ve really enjoyed getting out and mucking about with the kids. I think it’s benefitted me as much as them,” he adds.
Erstwilder – Marc Abrahams, Owner & Creative Director
The repercussions of COVID has provided a truly special silver lining for Marc Abrahams, Owner and Creative Director of leading creative jewellery designer Erstwilder, to spend more time with his children.
“Instead of feeling conflicted as to whether to stay home a little longer in the morning and finish breakfast with my four-year-old, I now struggle with the urge to extend my lunch break for a little more garden time with the family.
“If I’m being honest, most days I lose the battle to get back to work and maximise efficiency, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he says.
Marc says as a brand that sells products, physical gifts, when personal and thoughtful, are truly wonderful.
“Our community often gifts our designs to their Dads, Mums, family and friends because they find real meaning in our characters and their character stories. Nostalgia is built into our designs, making our product so much more than just an accessory.”
Marc says a good life is far better measured by the journey than the things we accumulate.
“That is what makes family experiences so wonderful. They are chances to switch off from work, to really focus on family and to create the memories that truly make life worth living,” he explains.
The Sheet Society – Andy Worley, Co-Founder and Co-CEO
The Sheet Society, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Andy Worley, says even though the pandemic has been a challenge, the business has been experiencing some incredible growth and they have been hiring like crazy..
“The stress of keeping the little ones entertained and juggling work needs, particularly when we were all locked away in 14-day isolation, has been a lot.
“We’ve had to be much more creative with activities at home, we’re finding fun in silly little things like teaching our son how to pull weeds out of the grass, building obstacle courses – anything to try and avoid putting the TV on.”
Andy says with the warmer weather coming in, they are enjoying spending time at home and playing with the kids in the garden.
“I’m halfway through building a sandpit for them at the moment, stretching this one out to give me activity for next weekend too,” he adds.
Andy says he enjoys family experiences more as he finds presents can be easily forgotten.
“Getting out and doing things and experiencing things together is so much more valuable. Creating memories with the kids and really spending time together.
“When I think back to why we’re working so hard to build our business it’s really to allow us the freedom to spend more time together as a family.
“The fun in experiences for me now is the joy I see in the kids, watching them explore and see new things for the first time, it’s priceless,” he says.
Studio Proper – Alon Tamir, Founder and CEO
Founder and CEO, Alon Tamir at tech accessories store Studio Proper says the credit to balancing between parenting and entrepreneurship goes to his wife Rachel.
“My belief is the notion of balance is a somewhat false goal, my preference is to seek the best possible parenting/entrepreneurship integration,” Alon says. “In my experience, this is best achieved by way of clear and transparent communication with my kids, allowing them to feel a part of my entrepreneurial journey as much as possible.”
Alon says the long hours, and strange time zone calls taken at home, can be educational and hopefully instill an understanding of what ‘hard work’ looks like, in a tangible sense.
“Weekends are also hugely important, with time dedicated to getting out of the house as a family, removing all work distractions and simply having fun,” he adds.
For Alon, the best memories are always created through shared experiences.
“Material gifts are nice, but experiences that can be enjoyed by the whole family spending time together are more meaningful in every way.
“Any opportunity to get everyone off their screens and into a shared experience is hugely valuable. And let’s be honest, there are only so many ties and socks a dad needs,” he ends.
