Imperfect Men Can Build Boys Too
· 42 min
Episode Imperfect Men Can Build Boys Too
Imperfect men helped Greg Hlavaty become a good guy.
“I think what saved me were men who stepped in as surrogate fathers,” Greg wrote in a recent essay. Those men weren’t exactly role models: One, Greg says, “was openly racist and bragged about having lobbed bricks from overpasses in his youth.” The other was “a middle-aged alcoholic…who regularly taught class drunk.” But both “really listened” to Greg, encouraged him, and were “genuinely proud” of his accomplishments. They connected with Great — and that, as they say, made all the difference.
Make Room for Less-Than-Perfect Men
Limiting boys’ contact with less-than-ideal role models might be harming our boys — and our men. In this conversation, Greg & Jen explore the surprising ways flawed, imperfect men can shape boys into compassionate, confident adults, as well as how we can encourage supportive connections between boys & men.
Takeaways:
• Surrogate father figures can have a profound impact on young men’s lives. • Red flags in behavior should be assessed with context, not stigma. • Accountability from mentors can guide young men towards better choices. • Community involvement is essential in raising boys to be good men. • Engaging in a child’s interests can strengthen bonds. • Many men feel unqualified to mentor young people. • Our culture often discourages intergenerational connections. • Being present in a young person’s life can have a significant impact.
Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:
Stop Ignoring the Mental Health of Young Men — Greg’s essay
In Praise of Imperfect Men — Building Boys Bulletin post by Jen
What About Less-Than-Ideal Role Models? — Building Boys post by Jen
Sponsor Spotlight: Hello Fresh
Get 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/FreeONBOYS
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Links in the notes 8
- https://www.aol.com/stop-ignoring-mental-health-young-101314387.html
- https://www.on-boys-podcast.com/?attachment_id=6339
- https://buildingboys.substack.com/p/building-boys-bulletin-11-25-24
- https://buildingboys.net/what-about-less-than-ideal-male-role-models/
- https://www.hellofresh.com/pages/podcast?c=FREEONBOYS&discount_comm_id=69a00013-80db-4f6e-8cdb-87ca07973397&dm=meals&mealsize=3-2&utm_campaign=podcastfbfl&utm_content=act_podcast_podcastads&utm_medium=cpm&utm_source=podcast&version=fbfl_bts
- https://www.on-boys-podcast.com/andrew-reiner-what-boys-need/hello-fresh-min/
- https://redcircle.com/brands
- https://redcircle.com/privacy
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