With Father's Day coming up, we asked a couple of the young padres who work for Murdock London, what being a modern and dapper dad means for them.
Steven Barrow, Operations Manager. Dad to Mannie, 2 years old
What differences are there between how your dad/parents raised you and how you bring up Mannie?
I want Manoa to experience as much as he can independently from an early age and not shelter him from too much. I want him to appreciate and understand things for himself with the aim to him having an early awareness of the world he lives in and to learn to deal with what comes his way accordingly.
What modern technologies help you out with being a parent?
Every now and then he plays games and watches his favourite programmes 'Cars' and 'Dinopaws' on the Ipad. We also use Facetime to catch up with his family in the Netherlands which is always fun.
How do you and your partner share the responsibilities?
We manage to divide the Lions share - more than anything else to help each other out and this works well. Its hard work and lots of effort and sacrifice but all worth it when you see him happy and enjoying himself.
Do you still try and cling on to being young and free? How do you balance it out with being a parent?
I wish! Papa was a rolling stone so I had to put those days behind me quickly and smarten up my act. From the word go I was fully dedicated to my sons happiness above my own and like to think that's how it remains. The balance comes on solo trips away or just with my partner and/or friends - thats when I manage to cut loose and enjoy my freedom again.
How do you like to spend time with Mannie?
He is very active and loves water so trips down to the park on his scooter, splashing in the puddles is very exciting for him. Escapes to the coast and building sand castles on the beach are basically his idea of Heaven. He has recently just got a body board and loves to fly around on that. He also loves his food so we love to have him join us for dinner occasionally on a Friday night in Soho.
What is the greatest lesson you would like to impart on Mannie?
Follow your dreams and help others to achieve theirs too.
Gavin Sharp, Head Barber Murdock London at Liberty. Dad to Olive, 14 months old.
What differences are there between how your dad/parents raised you and how you bring up your daughter?
Times have changed and I'm sure parenting has to. But I suppose most of the parenting skills I have come from my parents. I come from a very large family, 5 brothers and sisters. So I've got it easy compared to them! I guess the main difference would be that I'm a bit more relaxed, encouraging her inquisitive side.
What modern technologies help you out with being a parent?
Headphones..... Only kidding! She loves to play with the iPad. But we try to keep it to a minimum. Don't want to become a iPad parent! But for night time it beats a night light, we often leave it playing baby lullabies with colourful images to send her off to sleep. When she was first born we had a sensor for the cot which checked she was breathing OK. Amazing piece of technology.
How do you and your partner share the responsibilities?
We share it pretty equal I guess. I took 5 months off when my partner went back to work. Feel very lucky to have that opportunity. Since I went back to work in January, olive is at nursery. So I do the morning run and my partner Holly picks her up. I like to think we have shared the nappy changing, but holly would probably say otherwise!
Do you still try and cling on to being young and up for a party? How do you balance it out with being a parent?
It is hard trying to balance it, but we try to get out for a date night when we can. You need a break every now and then for your sanity. But if I'm honest, I don't have the drinking ability I used to have!
What is the greatest lesson you would like to impart on your daughter?
I've always said I'd teach her some of my skills as a barber. I think everyone needs a skill or a trade. Knowing how to preform a cut throat shave is a great skill to have, and something I'd like to pass through the family. Who knows, she could be my little apprentice one day!