International Men’s Day: How to raise the next generation of men

What is it like for boys to grow up in Ireland and how can we prepare them for a life that is more volatile and complex than ever?

Be mindful of putting the responsibility of fixing the world on your son’s shoulders.

The Eighth Amendment has been repealed and the women’s rights movement is making great strides across many aspects of Irish society. But what’s it like for boys to grow up in this new, modern Ireland?

Suicide remains far higher among men than women, and the HSE reports that, in the most recent year of data, the highest rate was among men aged 25-35. According to Mental Health Forum in Ireland, unhealthy behaviours and an aversion to asking for help are often linked to an endorsement of traditional, dominant definitions of masculinity, including a macho, risk-taking ideal. So how can parents raise the next generation of Irish men to be happy, healthy, confident and kind?