Olympic swimming legend, former Braun ambassador and now husband, father and creator of MILK skincare products lives in Melbourne with his wife Lindy and their two children, Stella (4) and Rocco (2).
CareforKids asked Michael about fatherhood and how hands on he reckons he is…
Michael Klim
C4K: Becoming a Dad must have been a great achievement for you! Are you more or less proud of yourself as a dad than as an Olympian?!!
MK: Whilst winning Gold as an Olympian was definitely one of the most amazing times of my life, this was only a very brief moment. Watching Stella and Rocco grow up is a daily reminder of how special parenting can be. I consider both having children and winning gold to be the greatest achievements of my life.
C4K: Being a Dad means lots of early mornings, but we guess you're used to that! Do you still swim/train regularly?
MK: I do get up early with the kids as this is one of my 'jobs', but I don't think you can ever get used to getting up early. As for training I try and fit it in around working with Milk and the kids. Training is still a big part of my lifestyle; if I don't train I tend to get grumpy and irritable in other areas of my life. I often train with my good friend Tory at Trewhealth and with his help I have been able to maintain great fitness which is something that is really important to me.
C4K: Have you found any schedule adjustments hard to manage and what's been the hardest thing about being a parent?
MK: Having kids definitely means a lot more planning in your life, not only do you have to plan around the kids on a day to day basis but you need to ensure that babysitters are booked or grandparents are on hand if you are ever to head out. The hardest thing for me as a parent would be dealing with the tantrums. It can be quite embarrassing in the middle of Coles!
C4K: How do you and Lindy divvy out the child care/parenting duties? Do you have any particular roles or just muck in and do what needs to be done?
MK: As I mentioned previously I get up in the mornings and do the 'early shift'. Because Lindy is also really busy with MILK Baby and her other commitments we try to split the parenting as much as possible. There aren't set rules but it's things like bath time that we both like to help out with. Lindy and I both appreciate our time with the kids most when we are all together, I am very lucky in that being my own boss I am able to be around as much as possible.
C4K: We reckon you'd be a stickler for routines! Is that how you manage being a dad or would you say you've had to retrain!
MK: Babies definitely need routine and we where religious about sticking to them but as they grow up we have become more lenient and the kids are more adaptable to new things. Since my retirement I don't have as much routine or structure in my life as usual, so whilst I used to be very regimented this is no longer the case.
C4K: How would you rate yourself as a Dad and how would Lindy rate you?
MK: Well, without having tickets on myself I would probably place myself between Good Time Dad and Australia's most Hands On Dad as I definitely have to do some things that would not be placed under the fun heading! Lindy would probably rate me a Good Time Dad though!
C4K: What are your favourite parenting duties?
MK: Taking them swimming, they love it!
C4K: Who attends kids' parties and playdates?
MK: We both try to go together where possible or take it in turns depending on who is available; I am a sucker for a good cupcake!
C4K: You've got your gorgeous skincare brand, MILK, how did that come about?
MK: Well, obviously when I was swimming a lot I had to take good care of my skin. When I retired I was either looking at going into fashion or skin care. I really couldn't find anything that I wanted to use on my skin and felt that there was an opportunity for a "masstige" skincare range designed by men for other men. With Lindy's encouragement the rest was history!
C4K: Do you use external child care to help juggle parenting and work commitments?
MK: Yes, both Lindy and I think it is important for children to become social at a young age, Stella our four year old attends Wesley College Kinder and Rocco attends the Treehouse Child Care Centre three days a week. For Rocco this is only a recent thing and we have built him up from one to two then to three days gradually - he loves it!
C4K: What were you looking for specifically in terms of what it offered you and your kids?
MK: Personally we where looking for something that was based around Reggio Emilia foundations (program based on the principles of respect, responsibility, and community through exploration and discovery in a supportive and enriching environment based on the interests of the children through a self-guided curriculum). This was something that was really important to us as we believe to be a great way for children to learn; basically they teach themselves how to learn from a very early age. Through programs such as this they have a great choice in what they do and are able to pursue their interests from an early age.
C4K: What's the best bit about being a dad?
MK: The random cuddles and kisses - they are the best when you least expect them.
C4K: Could you run a Daddy Day Care service?!
MK: Negative
To find out more about MILK Skincare click here
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