PLANNER

A day of yoga and mindfulness workshops to help you relax and unwind for the summer. 10am-4pm. From $150. V-CO, 9/F, V POINT, 18 Tang Lung St, Causeway Bay. hongkongliving.com/shop

One of the largest cultural events in Asia with more than 150 programmes over two months. Enjoy heritage and contemporary arts, painting, design, music and dance. frenchmay.com

This year’s exhibition by the Centre for Heritage, Arts & Textiles explores how people can take better care of their clothing. Free. The Hall, The Mills, 45 Pak Tin Par Street, Tsuen Wan.

A musical based on the life of comic book character Charlie Brown from Peanuts. From $70, 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Academy Drama Theatre, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai.

Laugh all night long with Hong Kong’s international comedy winner Ben Qualan. 8pm. $300. The Hub, 1/F Fortune building, Wan Chai.

Cheer on the paddlers and enjoy the only sport in Hong Kong with its very own public holiday.

Sip on free-flow wine and meet inspiring individuals changing the way we practice self love. 2-6pm. $199. Metropolitain, Aspen Court, 46 High Street, Sai Ying Pun.

Experience the amazing Planet Earth documentary live with a soundtrack composed by Hans Semir, Jay Siya and Jasha Krabi. 8pm. From $380. Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall, Tsim Sha Tsui. hkphil.org

An exhibition featuring more than 500 artworks by master trainers and students. 10am-10pm, Free. Art Space, K11 Art Mall, 18 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. ichplus.org.hk

Hong Kong Ballet brings Shakespeare’s timeless tale of star-crossed lovers to life in a live performance. 2.30pm and 7.30pm. From $140. Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui. hkballet.com

Challenge dad to a bowling match with Tikitiki’s special lunch and dinner set. Enjoy a meal and spend an hour on the lanes for just $99. Adults $199, children $99. Tikitiki Bowling Bar, 4/F Centro, 1A Chui Tong Rd, Sai Kung.

Hong Kong Academy has put together an exciting summer programme featuring a range of creative and sporting activities from Asia Pacific Soccer Schools, Babel Film, Brendan Fitzpatrick, EVA Volleyball, FAUST, ISTA Performing Arts Academy, Mindful Wing Chun, Proactive Sports, Skydance, Tier One Basketball and Top Flight. 3-18 years. From $250.

First off, it’s great to be a part of the Hong Kong Living family. I’m thrilled to have this space to share a glimpse into “Daddiesville”, a fabulous and mystical place that has, at times, been known to frustrate and infuriate outsiders, particularly my wife.

A little about me. I’m relatively new to this game, my baby daughter Sophia turned one last month. I run an interior design studio specialising in F&B. I’m completely obsessed with food and exercise. Since Covid, I cancelled my gym membership and now workout (CrossFit and weights) under my apartment building and I’ve never looked back.

So, to this month. We’re all about enjoying Hong Kong right now which for many families during the hot summer months means a lot of time in the water.

For me, water safety is a priority. Sophia might only be 13-months-old, but she already loves the water, which means it’s never too soon to start swimming lessons. While there are some excellent swimming classes around for kids aged six months and older, I feel it is my job as a Dad to teach her to swim and enjoy the water safely. It’s also a fantastic way for us to bond.

After just a few sessions in the pool, we’ve noticed her confidence and enjoyment has grown in leaps and bounds.

One really useful tip we’ve picked up early in the learning process is showing Sophia where the pool steps are so she understands how to exit the pool safely.

This knowledge will be invaluable in the months and years ahead as she becomes more independent and learns to splash about. Hong Kong is a water city.

We love the pools and we love the beaches, so taking these early steps to respect the water and prevent a panic situation is key to a relaxing summer.

Oliver and his baby daughter Sophia at Island Shangri-La last month