There’s been lots of discussion since the recent riots about the impact of the lack of positive male role models on young boys. I have a niggling suspicion that if you are the kind of dad who would choose to be absent you probably wouldn’t have been much of a role model anyway and I can point to many amazing single mums, but hey, what do I know? I’m in the very lucky position of bringing up my two boys not just with a great dad but with a whole host of men around. At a family wedding yesterday I got to see four generations of them together and it made me think about what characteristics I want the boys to pick up from the men in their lives.
From Great-Grandad I hope they get a sense of personal responsibility. To choose how to make their way in the world and make it happen. Looking after themselves and taking care of others. And let’s not forget longevity, he’s 87 you know 😉
From Grandad I hope they get a strong work ethic, DIY skills, a sense of humour and real respect for women.
From Dad I hope they get how to be fantastic hands on fathers who aren’t scared to tell their kids how much they love them.
And what do I bring to the table? On the basis of this wedding I’ll go for amazing sense of style and ability to throw some shapes after a glass of wine or two (photos redacted to protect the innocent).
amanda egan says
What a lovely blog! Great Granddad is SO handsome – perfect for my mum!!
Why thank you, I’ll tell him that. 🙂
Made me go all tearful! ……bloody hormones.
You big softy! Have to admit was feeling a bit emotional myself. I shall return to sarcasm and cynicism soon, promise!
Great to have 4 generations of males, you’re very lucky and so’s your little boy. My son was lucky enough to be able to meet his great grandad (since deceased) and we have a lovely pic of son, dad, grandad and great grandad together. You see quite a lot of those on the female side, but not on the male side.
We are lucky. It’s so lovely to see them all together. Thanks for visiting.
What a beautiful post. My own dad was (is) a bully, and I always cringe when my boys are around him. But my husband and his father, the boys’ grandad, are just the happiest, most caring and nurturing men I’ve ever met. Perfect role models for our 3 little boys.