Chenjiang Yang is a busy father of one. When he’s not managing Haru Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar, he tries to fit in as much time as he can with his son Xinting (four months old). Yang thinks most fathers find it difficult to spend quality time with their little ones. He certainly feels the pressure when juggling work and home, confessing: “I just don’t have enough time.” Despite his busy schedule, Yang makes sure he spends a little time alone with his son every week. Yang likes to take Xinting to the aquarium to see the fish. With Xinting still so young, days out are more about visual stimulation and convenience than serious playtime. Yang’s favorite place to spend time with his son is at his parents’ house, where he can relax while Xinting soaks up the attention from grandma and grandpa. Though Xinting can’t do much yet, he does enjoy a giggle with dad. “My favorite thing to do is laugh with him,” says Yang. “As long as he’s happy, everything’s good.”
For a day out, Chenjiang recommends: the Beijing Aquarium.
Daniel Urdaneta, head chef at Mosto, is enjoying the new challenge of fatherhood. His son Andres (11 months) has so far been easy to please – happy to play in the park, the pool, or on his play mat inside. Luckily there’s a great playground inside their compound, making it easy for Urdaneta to take his son for a quick session on the swings after work. Andres also likes getting his feet wet. “He loves the pool, so we often take him there.” Though Urdaneta is new to parenthood, he recommends dads try to spend as much time with their kids as they can. “Even if it’s just a little time, make sure it’s quality time. Make sure you get to know your child and they can get to know you.” With a demanding work schedule that sees Urdaneta leave early in the morning and return home late at night, time alone with his son is hard to come by. He notes, “The same time I have with him is the same time I have with my wife. It’s the time I spend with my family.” Urdaneta thinks a family holiday is a great way for dads to ensure some quality time with their kids. To get away from the daily grind, the Urdanetas recently took some time out in Thailand. “It was wonderful. We spent ten days together – no working, just relaxing. It was time I could completely dedicate to Andres.”
For a day out, Daniel recommends: the Swissotel pool.