What does parenting do to us? Why do we do it? Why is there such a huge gap between what we think parenting will be and what it is? What are the jobs of Mums and Dads now: What’s a dad when he’s no longer just a provider, what’s a mum when she quite often is? Why, when we think having children will bring us together, does it so often push us apart? How do I know what to teach and model for my children when I don’t know what the world is going to look like in five years time? Why did my parents seem to have so much conviction about these things and I have absolutely none?
Well, I don’t know but luckily there are some really clever people all over the world who are thinking about these things and they’ve agreed to talk to me. So maybe we won’t be able to answer all these questions every week but maybe if we listen to their ideas we can gain some insight and some wisdom and maybe most importantly some perspective and find out what it takes to be a happier parent.
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What does parenting do to us? Why do we do it? Why is there such a huge gap between what we think parenting will be and what it is? What are the jobs of Mums and Dads now: What’s a dad when he’s no longer just a provider, what’s a mum when she quite often is? Why, when we think having children will bring us together, does it so often push us apart? How do I know what to teach and model for my children when I don’t know what the world is going to look like in five years time? Why did my parents seem to have so much conviction about these things and I have absolutely none?
Well, I don’t know but luckily there are some really clever people all over the world who are thinking about these things and they’ve agreed to talk to me. So maybe we won’t be able to answer all these questions every week but maybe if we listen to their ideas we can gain some insight and some wisdom and maybe most importantly some perspective and find out what it takes to be a happier parent.
Ep 21: Strength, Grief and Trust with Dr Anna Whitwham
Be a Happier Parent
55 minutes
1 month ago
Ep 21: Strength, Grief and Trust with Dr Anna Whitwham
We were discussing Anna's most recent book: "Soft Tissue Damage"
Also check out her novel: "Boxer Handsome"
Follow me on TikTok and Instagram @beahappierparent and find videos of these episodes on YouTube @alexindadland
Keywords
masculinity, identity, vulnerability, shame, literature, parenting, relationships, emotional health, gender roles, self-discovery
Summary
In this conversation, Anna and Alex delve into the complexities of masculinity, exploring its constructs and representations in literature, the evolution of male identity, and the role of vulnerability and shame. They discuss the importance of female perspectives in understanding masculinity and the significance of building supportive networks for future generations. The dialogue emphasizes the need for emotional health and the impact of relationships on personal growth.
Takeaways
Identity is a construct, and masculinity can take many forms.Literature reflects the evolution of male identity over time.Vulnerability is a crucial aspect of masculinity.Shame can lead to destructive patterns of behavior.Care and support are essential in male friendships.Finding strength in vulnerability can lead to personal growth.Female perspectives are vital in understanding masculinity.Witnessing experiences is crucial for emotional health.Building a supportive network is important for children.The dynamics of female friendships differ from male friendships.
Titles
The Many Faces of MasculinityLiterary Reflections on Male Identity
Sound bites
"Identity is construct, right?""You have to learn not to fight.""This is a book about healing."
Chapters
00:00 Exploring Masculinity in Literature04:31 The Evolution of Male Protagonists07:20 The Impact of War on Masculinity10:10 Shame and Vulnerability in Men13:00 The Role of Alcohol in Masculine Identity15:54 Understanding Shame and Forgiveness18:02 The Gendered Experience of Shame21:04 Parenting and Masculinity23:33 The Intersection of Boxing and Identity26:24 Navigating Relationships and Violence28:08 The Journey of Self-Discovery through Sport35:28 The Comfort of Kebab and Vulnerability36:10 The Female Perspective on Masculinity38:35 Conversations on Care and Masculinity40:53 Healing Through Boxing and Loss43:19 Understanding Aging and Care46:41 The Role of Witnessing in Relationships49:26 Navigating Mortality and Parenthood52:42 The Dynamics of Female Friendships54:55 Blending Families and Modern Relationships54:55 Introduction to Soft Tissue Damage54:55 Exploring Anna Witwam's Works
Be a Happier Parent
What does parenting do to us? Why do we do it? Why is there such a huge gap between what we think parenting will be and what it is? What are the jobs of Mums and Dads now: What’s a dad when he’s no longer just a provider, what’s a mum when she quite often is? Why, when we think having children will bring us together, does it so often push us apart? How do I know what to teach and model for my children when I don’t know what the world is going to look like in five years time? Why did my parents seem to have so much conviction about these things and I have absolutely none?
Well, I don’t know but luckily there are some really clever people all over the world who are thinking about these things and they’ve agreed to talk to me. So maybe we won’t be able to answer all these questions every week but maybe if we listen to their ideas we can gain some insight and some wisdom and maybe most importantly some perspective and find out what it takes to be a happier parent.
