The Father and Son Conversation Guide

Strong enough to talk. Brave enough to listen.

Many fathers grew up hearing "boys don't cry" and "man up." Now they want something different for their sons, but they don't know where to start.

The Father and Son Conversation Guide gives dads, grandfathers, uncles, step-fathers, guardians and mentors the words, questions and activities they need. It helps them have real conversations about the things that shape a boy into a good man.

Inside, you'll find five chapters on the topics that matter most:

• Emotions: Real Men Feel. Help your son name his feelings, manage his anger and know it's okay to ask for help.
• Respect. Talk about how to treat women, elders, classmates and people who are different, including consent and standing up for others.
• Peer Pressure. Give him exit lines to practise, role-play scenarios and a family "code word" that can keep him out of danger.
• Responsibility. Build independence step by step with an age-by-age responsibility ladder.
• Becoming a Good Man. Help him decide for himself what kind of man he wants to be.

Every chapter includes:

• Conversation starters for three age groups: 8-10, 11-13 and 14-17
• "If he says... you might say..." responses for tricky moments
• "Talk while you..." ideas, because boys often open up more side by side than face to face
• A shared activity to do together
• A reflection question for dads
• A follow-up question to keep the conversation going

Bonus tools: ten easy conversation questions for drives and walks, guidance on when to seek extra support, and a Father and Son Agreement to fill in and sign together.

You don't need to be perfect or an expert. You just need to show up. This guide will help you do that, one conversation at a time.

Perfect for fathers and father figures of boys aged 8 to 17.