Summary The ‘manning up of boys begins in the cradle.’ But what boys really need is emotional support from their dads | Cognoscenti www.wbur.org
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Boys need emotional support from their fathers to develop a strong sense of self-worth and to prevent negative consequences such as mental health issues and a higher risk of suicide.
Slides
Slide Presentation (7 slides)
Key Points
- Boys need emotional support from their fathers
- Ignoring boys' emotional needs can lead to public health risks
- Boys are more vulnerable to the toxic effects of bullying
- Many young men struggle to seek emotional support due to fear of being perceived as weak
- Fathers play an integral role in providing support for older boys
- Developing deeper connections with boys can help them thrive
- Boys need tolerant and empathetic adults in their lives to become self-reliant
- Boys who are taught to create emotional safety nets flourish as men
Summary
131 word summary
Boys need emotional support from their fathers, starting from a young age. This support includes creating emotional safety nets and encouraging them to share their struggles. Fathers play a crucial role in providing the support that older boys need for longer. Ignoring boys' deeper emotional needs can lead to negative consequences, such as mental health issues and a higher risk of suicide. Boys should be taught that independence is not something they have to achieve alone, and that seeking emotional support is not a sign of weakness. Traditional tropes of masculinity no longer serve boys and can be toxic. Fathers should provide emotional scaffolding and help boys develop a stronger sense of self-worth. The tough guy stereotype that discourages emotional expression and problem-solving on their own is detrimental to boys' well-being.