A recent study of over 6000 boys aged 12 and under demonstrated the importance of a close and comforting bond with their mothers.
In boys who never formed a close and loving relationship
with their mothers, for example by the mother being unresponsive to their needs,
or repeatedly dismissing them, they were more likely to become aggressive and
have mental health problems later in life.
By contrast, in boys who had a secure and loving relationship with their mother, where they could reliably to her for comfort, they were more likely to be calmer and self confident.
This study, published in the Journal Child Development, is further evidence that boys need just as much, if not more care and nurturance, than girls. Studies of toddlers, for example, showed that boys needed more loving support than girls if they are to cope well with separation anxiety.
There is, unfortunately, still a pervasive idea that boys need to be ‘toughened up’, and that boys respond better to harsher parenting regimens. This could not be further from the truth.
Dr Phil Tyson is a Men's Psychotherapist based in Manchester in the UK. He offers:
- Group therapy weekends for men in London and Manchester
- Beginners meditation weekend retreats for men in London and Manchester
- Counselling for men in Manchester
- Psychotherapy for men in Manchester
- Cognitive behavioural therapy for men in Manchester
- Telephone and online counselling for men wherever you live
- Mediation for conflict resolution at work in London
- Mediation for conflict resolution at work in Manchester and the North West
- Supervision and consulative support for therapists in Manchester
