As Father’s Day approaches, we sat down with our dynamic Sprout founders, Business Director Olivier van der Schroeff and Creative Director Mike Bond, to explore the evolving landscape of parenting. Sharing their refreshingly honest insights on how dads are stepping up to the plate, embracing shared responsibilities, and redefining what it means to be a modern-day dad, they offered a glimpse into the changing roles of fathers. From tales of early morning school-gate high fives to the heroic mastery of fake breastfeeding, we dive into their experiences and discover how parenting roles are becoming more diverse [and entertaining] than ever.
Mike, rumour has it you once wore a bra to get your baby to drink. Walk us through this?
Mike: Haha. I thought that was something mentioned in private. We were migrating from the boob to the bottle, but our baby wasn’t interested. So, after many attempts, I resorted to wearing one of Megan's pregnancy bras and hiding the bottle in the bra itself. Once he got a whiff of that bra, it was all systems go. Or should I say all systems flow? Sorry, Dad joke.
Describe your parenting style in one hashtag?
Mike: #onthefly
If you could create a superhero based on your parenting skills, what would their name be and what powers would they have?
Mike: My biggest frustration with parenting is balancing quality time with both my boys individually. If I could have a superpower, it would be the ability to create a copy of myself so I could be in two places at once.
As one of the co-creators of the brand, what does Sprout represent to you?
Mike: Sprout represents growth. As parents and kids, we’re on this journey of learning together. Some of it’s tough, but most of it is wonderful. We learn from each other every day. We grow together.
Olivier, if fatherhood came with a user manual, what would be your top three must-read chapters?
- Tomorrow is another day.
In the beginning I often had the idea that everything I did needed to be perfect. The perfect nappy change technique, the best bottle feed position, and the most efficient way to dress your baby inter alia. A complete waste of time. Not everything will be perfect and many mistakes will be made and I realised very quickly that in the baby phase, time is on your side. Tomorrow you can try your best again and all you can do is keep trying and love your child.
2. Your baby is not unique.
We all think our child is the best. They are unique creatures and we are completely blinded by love and excitement. Therefore the panic is real when suddenly there is something wrong with your child. Could be a bad fall, a sickness or anything in between. I found consolation in the idea that (almost) everything that happens in your parenting journey has happened before. That idea always gives me peace of mind.
3. Be present.
A total cliché, but true. With my little girl I try to be present every day. Small things from eating together, helping her with homework, playing games, and reading a book every night, in other words just spending time with her in the present is an absolute pleasure.
If you could switch roles with your partner for a day, what’s the first thing you’d tackle as a mom?
Olivier: This is a difficult one. The bond between my daughter and my wife is very strong. Almost every day they have long chats about school, about the dynamics at school and life in general. I wouldn’t tackle anything in the sense of changing something, but I would finally get to know the boy’s name my daughter has a crush on. (and when I’m the father again, this boy will be watched extra carefully, ha ha).
What is one of your proudest dad moments?
Olivier: I’m proud of my girl every day. There are many moments I cherish deeply. From her birth (becoming a dad), to her first step, her first spoken word (dada not mama, ha ha), performing in the school choir, beat me at Monopoly and many more moments.
If you could write a children's book inspired by your experiences as a dad, what would the title be, and what life lesson would you want to convey through the story?
Olivier: Title: Fly to the Stars
Lesson: The world is your oyster. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Fall, stand up and go again. Love yourself and do everything you do with passion and a smile. Then you can fly to the stars.
