What makes a great Male Role Model?

A strong male role model doesn’t necessarily have to be a father. It can be an older brother, family friend, uncle, grandfather or teacher. Where you find the kind of role model your child can look up to isn't important, what matters most is their continued presence and guidance.

Verity (@mummasparks) shares her thoughts about the male role models who play a big part in the life of her daughter, Tilly.

Any role model, male or female, contributes three things that are crucial to a child's development.

1. They inspire

When they identify a child's natural abilities or personal passions, they go to great lengths to help them explore them further and show them the opportunities that are open to them.

2. They motivate and encourage

There's nothing like a cheerleader, someone who champions a child's enthusiasm and helps them to be all that they can be.

3. They listen and support

When a child doesn't succeed, they are a source of comfort, advice and courage to try again.

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Tilly is fortunate to have some great male role models in her life. Even though she's only four years old, she values each of them and recognises the unique things they bring to her world. From family members to dear friends, I know Tilly will never feel like she is without the love, support and encouragement she needs as she goes through life, even into adulthood.

Jon is my Step-Dad and he came into my life just as I was about to enter my teenage years, so a tricky position to be in really, but he was simply amazing. Always treating me as if I was his own daughter, he quickly became the very kind of male role model I needed at that time in my life. Tilly wouldn't be without her Grampy. They enjoy outdoor adventures together, exploring nature and learning about the countryside. She also loves his stories and he encourages her creativity by letting her use a drawing and painting app on his iPad. He 's always full of praise for her creative designs.

Of course, it goes without saying that Tilly's Daddy is probably her greatest male role model. He encourages her to try something new every day and teaches her that there are no limits in the things she can achieve. He has given her confidence to know that just because something new seems scary, it doesn't mean that it is and that the sense of pride you have in achievement, even just in trying, is well worth the effort. Currently, he and Tilly are working on learning to cartwheel and next on the list is cricket.

Hanry is a very good family friend who lives very close, so Tilly is used to having him around regularly. Together they share a passion for learning about animals, nature and the world around them. Often looking through books and always finding something new to learn.

Scott has been a friend of both Lex and me for a long time but as he lives far away, we do not get to see him so often. It never occurred to me that Tilly would form such an attachment with him, but it was soon clear why she did. With plenty of silly games and the fun they have together, he shows Tilly, there's always time to stop and enjoy life.

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To celebrate all the amazing male role models out there we created the Role Model T-shirt. It makes the perfect gift for Father's Day, whether they're a parent figure or not.

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