Canadian National Strategy for Men’s Mental Health

ACT BOLD FOR MEN AND BOYS

Recommendations from the Canadian Centre for Men and Families (CCMF)

Comprehensive

An effective men’s health strategy must incorporate a wide variety of areas, including the job sector, family courts, the educational system, and male identity. It must be interdisciplinary, recognizing that legal stress, financial strain, family breakdown, domestic abuse, and youth struggles all interact to shape men’s mental health outcomes. 

This strategy requires the engagement of multiple government ministries, including Health, Public Safety, WAGE, Housing, Indigenous Services, Employment and Social Development, Veterans Affairs, and Justice.

The Strategy must address social determinants of health – those core causes of suicide and mental health issues in men – without excluding politically complex topics, provided the analysis is evidence-based and trauma-informed. As one critical example, men commit suicide at 6-8 times the rate of women when going through family separation and facing loss of their children.

Service Oriented

The Strategy must move beyond a research-only focus toward adequately funded service delivery. Agencies that demonstrate a history of delivering services to men should be a priority. The government should invest in a Canada-wide Men’s Health Centre by scaling up the existing infrastructure of the Canadian Centre for Men and Families. 

CCMF is the country’s leading national charity operating evidence-based and effective interventions for boys and men. We focus on the key triggers of male suicide, such as family break down, family violence, addiction and employment loss. Our network of branches across the country services over 2,000 new families each year across all demographic lines. CCMF is training dozens of external agencies across Canada as they expand their services for boys and men.

We recommend a national 24/7 crisis line with staff specifically trained in male-centric de-escalation and resource referral.

We encourage the incentivization of “Mental Health Safety Standards” in male-dominated trades by providing tax credits to companies that implement on-site counseling and peer-support programs tailored to blue-collar workers.

Rethinking Family Violence 

Statistics Canada data and scholarly research underline the urgent need to move toward gender equality in services for family and domestic violence victims. The government must implement the recommendations contained in the landmark report, Male Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence in Canada (2020), prepared for the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime, to direct federal funding toward the creation of domestic violence shelters specifically for men and their children, along with directing the CMHC to fund and finance transitional and affordable housing for father-led families in crisis.

Father Involvement

Research shows that children achieve their best social and health outcomes with two maximally involved parents. We recommend public policies that encourage active and involved fathers. Most urgently, we recommend reforming the Divorce Act to establish a rebuttable presumption of equal shared co-parenting as being in the best interests of the child, except in cases of proven abuse or neglect. Relatedly, we recommend updating the Income Tax Act to remove the “female primary parent presumption” of the Canada Child Benefit, which currently discriminates against children based on the gender of their primary caregiver.

Promoting Positive Perceptions of Masculinity

Men and boys are frequently portrayed as “toxic” or incompetent (the “bumbling father” trope) in mainstream media. This negative reinforcement creates a deficit-based identity for boys, leading to alienation. Consequently, many men avoid seeking help not because they reject care but because they fear shame, disbelief and judgement. 

We recommend the federal government update its communications to remove language of “toxic masculinity” and other shaming language in favour of language that is positive, supportive, and affirming of boys and men.

We recommend the creation of marketing campaigns to encourage young men to enter health, education, and social services as viable career paths.

We recommend a specific stream within the Canada Media Fund (CMF) for content that portrays men in diverse, positive, and non-traditional roles. Relatedly, we recommend the launch of a federally funded “Value of Men” public service campaign to celebrate men as caregivers, educators, and community pillars.

Governmental

We recommend the appointment of an Associate Minister for Men’s Health (within Health Canada) to provide ongoing oversight of the implementation of the Strategy.

The Associate Minister for Men’s Health should be an observer member of the Parliamentary Caucus for Men and Boys Health which was launched in late 2025 under the leadership of Senator Patrick Brazeau. The Caucus currently consists of over 30 MPs and Senators, including Liberal, Conservative, NDP and Independent members. 

Conclusion

The federal strategy represents a pivotal opportunity to address the long-overlooked health and social disparities facing men and boys in Canada, moving beyond a narrow focus on their utility to prioritize their holistic well-being. By adopting these interdisciplinary recommendations — ranging from gender-responsive mental health funding and legal reforms to educational revitalization and the promotion of positive masculinity — the government can dismantle the systemic barriers that lead to higher rates of suicide, educational dropout, and workplace fatalities. Ultimately, investing in the success and health of men is not merely a matter of gender equity; it is a vital investment in the stability of Canadian families and the long-term prosperity of society as a whole.

 

ORIGINAL FULL STATEMENT FOLLOWS

Executive Summary

The Canadian Centre for Men and Families (CCMF) is a national mental health and social services charity established in 2014, operating branches across Canada and serving over 2,000 new clients annually. CCMF serves men and boys of all backgrounds and identities, including Indigenous, racialized, newcomer, 2SLGBTQ+, rural and low-income men and boys.

We specialize in addressing the gender disparity in service access for boys and men across diverse communities and identities experiencing relationship breakdown, domestic and family abuse, social isolation, and other intersecting stressors (economic, cultural, and occupational).

Given that men account for approximately 75% of all suicide deaths in Canada, our mission is to provide gender-responsive support that mitigates this crisis. Scholarly research indicates that men in the acute phase of family separation are up to 8 times more likely to die by suicide than their female counterparts. Some groups of males, including young, Indigenous and minority males, are particularly at risk.

Our aim is to strengthen the effectiveness of the Men’s Mental Health Strategy. We will do this by referencing social determinants which account for the men’s health crisis, including the most tragic outcome of suicide. Our recommendations may introduce difficult subjects or politically challenging areas, but we do so because we believe that only by taking both a comprehensive and a deep approach can we develop an effective Strategy.

 

Recommendations from the CCMF for the Canadian National Strategy

 

Scope and Framework

An effective men’s health strategy must incorporate a wide variety of areas, including the job sector, family courts, the educational system, and male identity. It must address interconnected systems—workplaces (including high-risk and low-wage sectors), family law, education, justice, and community life—as well as evolving concepts of masculinity.

It must be interdisciplinary, recognizing that legal stress, financial strain, family breakdown, domestic abuse, and youth violence all interact to shape men’s mental health outcomes. This strategy requires the engagement of multiple government ministries, including Health, Public Safety, WAGE, Housing, Indigenous Services, Employment and Social Development, Veterans Affairs, and Justice.

It needs to move beyond a pure research-only focus to adequately funded and sustained evidence-informed interventions and service delivery

The strategy must address the core causes of suicide and mental health challenges without excluding politically complex topics, provided the analysis is evidence-based and trauma-informed. It must move beyond research-only initiatives toward adequately funded service delivery, including scaling up existing infrastructure by supporting agencies with a long history of effective service to men.

Specific Needs-Based Recommendations

1. Specific Funding for Men’s Mental Health Services

• The Need: There is a systemic gap in services specifically targeted at the mental health of boys and men.
• Recommendations:
  • Provide dedicated federal funding for gender-responsive psychotherapy, peer-led group trauma recovery, and evidence-based parenting courses for fathers.
  • Establish a national 24/7 crisis hotline with staff specifically trained in male-centric de-escalation and resource referral.
  • Re-assess current social and health programs to ensure they are not based on biased understandings of gender roles.

2. Stronger Promotion of Men’s Health

• The Need: Men engage the medical establishment less frequently than women, even though they are at a higher risk of negative health outcomes, such as most cancers.
• Recommendation: Initiate a national marketing strategy that reminds men they matter and emphasizes the importance of nutrition, exercise, and regular medical screenings.

3. Legal Navigation & Support for Male Victims of IPV

• The Need: Many men face the “procedural misuse” of legal and bureaucratic systems during relationship breakdowns—where these systems are used as tools of harassment. Men also struggle with the high costs of legal representation and supervised access, which can sever the father-child bond.
• Recommendations:
  • Fund legal clinics (modeled after the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic) dedicated to male and gender-diverse victims of intimate partner violence (IPV).
  • Provide funding for family/criminal law navigators and subsidies for court-mandated supervised visits to ensure financial hardship does not separate fathers from their children.

4. Expansion of Dedicated Male Domestic Violence Shelters

• The Need: A recent (2026) Statistics Canada Report indicates that about 50% of physical IPV victims are men, yet shelter capacity is severely skewed. While roughly 600 government-funded shelters exist for women, there are currently no equivalent government-funded shelters specifically for men and their children.
• Recommendation: Implement the recommendation of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime by directing federal investment toward the creation of domestic violence shelters specifically for men and their children.

5. Addressing the “Educational Disconnect” for Boys

• The Need: Boys generally underperform in the school system compared to girls, partly due to a lack of alternatives to the academic stream. This leads to long-term social and economic marginalization, social isolation, and an increased risk of anti-social behavior.
• Recommendations:
  • Engage provinces to ensure schools recognize that boys may learn differently and adapt curricula accordingly.
  • Revitalize technical and vocational education by implementing a pilot program based on the German “Dual System,” creating industry-school partnerships for high-paying, skill-based careers.
  • Create marketing strategies to encourage young men to enter health, education, and social services as viable career paths.

6. Restorative Justice in Family Court Allegations

• The Need: Unsubstantiated or malicious allegations of abuse during custody battles cause immense trauma and drain court resources. Even when exonerated, the “stigma of the charge” often persists.
• Recommendations:
  • Explore restorative justice frameworks for low-risk IPV allegations within family court to prevent unnecessary criminalization.
  • Implement a “Fast-Track Expungement” process for individuals cleared of allegations to protect their reputation and mental health.

7. Review of Mandatory Charging Police Policies

• The Need: Current “primary aggressor” and mandatory arrest policies often rely on physical size differences. This can lead police to arrest a male victim even when he is the one who called for help, disincentivizing men from seeking protection.
• Recommendations:
  • Engage provincial and territorial jurisdictions to transition from “mandatory charging” to “evidence-based charging,” granting police the discretion to assess the full context of a call.
  • Mandate officer training that includes a better understanding of male IPV victimization to ensure stereotypes do not act as a barrier to support.

8. Presumption of Equal Shared Co-Parenting

• The Need: The lack of an involved father is a leading indicator for youth suicide, incarceration, and substance abuse. A recent study has shown that jurisdictions with equal shared parenting see a significant drop in IPV (about 50%) and intimate partner homicides (about 8%).
• Recommendations:
  • Reform the Divorce Act to establish a rebuttable presumption of equal shared co-parenting as being in the “best interests of the child,” except in cases of proven abuse or neglect.
  • Amend the Income Tax Act to remove the “female primary parent presumption” for the Canada Child Benefit, which currently discriminates against children based on the gender of their primary parent.

9. Investigating the Gender Sentencing Gap

• The Need: Data suggests that for identical offenses, men are more likely to be charged, convicted, and given longer custodial sentences than women.
• Recommendation: Commission a federal audit of the Canadian criminal justice system to identify and rectify gender bias in sentencing and conviction rates.

10. Workplace Mental Health & Occupational Safety

• The Need: Men represent the vast majority of workplace fatalities and injuries, particularly in high-risk sectors and first-responder roles. These industries often lack integrated mental health support for trauma and burnout.
• Recommendation: Incentivize “Mental Health Safety Standards” in male-dominated trades by providing tax credits to companies that implement on-site counseling and peer-support programs tailored to blue-collar workers.

11. Support for Indigenous and Marginalized Men

• The Need: Indigenous men experience the highest rates of suicide and incarceration in Canada, rooted in the intersection of historical trauma and gender-specific needs.
• Recommendation: Provide culturally specific funding for land-based healing programs and elder-led mentorship specifically for Indigenous men and boys, ensuring these programs are designed and governed by Indigenous communities.

12. Longitudinal Research on Male Life Outcomes

• The Need: Current policy is often based on data that does not differentiate between the specific life trajectories of men and women.
• Recommendation: Establish a federal research fund for longitudinal studies focusing on male life outcomes, particularly the impact of father-absence, educational disengagement, and social isolation.

13. Promoting Positive Masculinity & Media Literacy

• The Need: There is a pervasive “image gap” where men and boys are frequently portrayed as “toxic” or incompetent (the “bumbling father” trope). This negative reinforcement creates a deficit-based identity for boys, leading to alienation.
• Recommendations:
  • Launch a federally funded “Value of Men” public service campaign to celebrate men as caregivers, educators, and community pillars.
  • Create a specific stream within the Canada Media Fund (CMF) for content that portrays men in diverse, positive, and non-traditional roles.
  • Establish national awards to recognize male-led grassroots initiatives focusing on mentorship and healthy relationships.

14. Appointment of an Associate Minister for Men’s Health (within Health Canada) 

 

Conclusion

The upcoming federal strategy represents a pivotal opportunity to address the long-overlooked health and social disparities facing men and boys in Canada, moving beyond a narrow focus on their utility to prioritize their holistic well-being. By adopting these interdisciplinary recommendations—ranging from gender-responsive mental health fundingand legal reforms to educational revitalization and the promotion of positive masculinity—the government can dismantle the systemic barriers that lead to higher rates of suicide, educational dropout, and workplace fatalities. There is an urgent need to transition from research to adequately funded service delivery that recognizes men as essential caregivers, innovators, and community pillars. Ultimately, investing in the success and health of men is not merely a matter of gender equity; it is a vital investment in the stability of Canadian families and the long-term prosperity of society as a whole.

Inspiring Boys, Empowering Fathers, Transforming Lives

Healthy Fathers, Healthy Sons, Health Communities

“The underachievement of boys in the education system is a really serious issue faced by parents, teachers and all of society.”
– Dr. James S. Brown, MA, MEd EdD, Author of Rescuing our Underachieving Sons

 “Boys are falling behind in education, mental health, and a sense of purpose—creating a crisis that affects families, communities, and the future of our society.”
– Dr. Warren Farrel, Author of The Boy Crisis

“In discussing gender differences in education, it’s crucial to consider the interaction of biology, culture, and education systems, recognizing that these differences are not immutable but can change with societal evolution and educational reforms. Moreover, the conversation must be sensitive to the diversity within each gender, acknowledging that individual experiences can significantly vary from these broad trends”.
– Christina Hoff Sommers. Author of The War on Boys

As we look around, it’s clear that boys are facing significant challenges in today’s society—especially in education, mental health, and relationships. Boys are increasingly falling behind in school, and a growing disparity between boys and girls is becoming more evident.

Historically, when girls faced barriers to success, society took proactive steps to level the playing field, helping them thrive. Now, boys are disengaging from education, social connections, and in some cases, even life itself. It’s time to adjust our approach, inspire our boys, and help them unlock their full potential. It’s time for us to shift our focus and create an environment where boys can succeed just as girls do today.

Data from the past decade shows alarming trends with boys: lower literacy scores,  higher school dropout rates, increased depression, disengagement, lower post-secondary attendance, and rising unemployment along with substance abuse among young men. This lack of participation in society can often lead to depression and, tragically, suicide. A healthy society depends on healthy fathers, healthy sons, and healthy communities.

We need to inspire and support our boys today to ensure a better future for everyone. We envision a future where every boy is equipped to succeed academically, emotionally, and socially. By inspiring our boys now, we create a generation of leaders, innovators, and role models who will drive a brighter, more equitable future for all.

Let’s take action today—when our boys succeed, life improves for everyone. 

 

Where do we see these differences in education and society?  

• Lower Academic Performance Boys, on average, are performing worse than girls in school, with lower grades, and lower literacy, reading and writing skills
• Lack of Engagement Boys often show less interest in school and struggle with motivation.
• Boys typically score lower than girls on standardized tests in the language arts. (EQAO)
• Boys are more likely than girls to be placed in special education programs
• Decline in the percentage of boys attending post-secondary school 
• Higher school drop rate Boys are more likely to drop out of school compared to girls
• Inability to enter a trade – often require a high school diploma or college eduction
• Decline in the number of boys entering professions
• Role models for boys are declining
• Boys view schools as places for women teachers to teach girls. Boys are often heard to say, “School is for girls”

Why is this an issue for CCMF?

When boys drop out of the education system, they often face significant long-term consequences across multiple areas of life, including employment, financial stability, health, and social well-being. CCMF helps men manage some of these challenges.  The next step is to help fathers inspire their children, especially boys, so that they too can become high achievers in education, resulting in a better quality of life. Healthy Fathers, Healthy Families, Healthy Communities. 

Why is this an issue for Women?

“When boys lose, women lose. When boys do well, women do well. The good news is that when we focus on the needs of boys, we will all benefit.”

Farrell, Warren. The Boy Crisis: Why Our Boys Are Struggling and What We Can Do About It. BenBella Books, 2018

When boys struggle—whether in education, emotional well-being, or social engagement—it directly impacts girls and women as well. This is partly because boys’ underachievement often leads to economic and social instability, which can affect families, relationships, and communities. Women need partners that are financially and emotionally stable in order to have a successful relationship and a healthy, happy homelife for the children.

What can we do about this?

CCMF is committed to helping fathers help their children. This new section of our website will provide monthly information on how fathers can help their sons succeed. We will continue to grow this section with more resources, data, videos and other features. 

We also want to reach out to Fathers so they can share concerns and  ideas. We can work with them to raise awareness and raise their sons to become healthy, educated and successful men.

How does CCMF support fathers?

In this new section of our CCMF website, our focus is on empowering fathers to better support their sons. Here’s how we can help:

• Monthly updates with valuable resources and topics for fathers
• Podcast discussions covering relevant subjects
• Opportunities for fathers provide feedback on podcasts, ask questions, and share their experiences

 

In an upcoming episode we will explore:

My son is struggling with Literacy. Why does it matter?

It is crucial that little boys learn to read, it has an impact on their quality of life and their future. More specifically:

Dr. James S. Brown emphasizes the importance of teaching young boys literacy as it is a foundational skill that affects nearly every aspect of their development and future success. 

Reading is much more than simply decoding words and sentences—it’s about grasping the message the writer wants to convey. For example, a child might be able to sound out the word rune, but if they don’t understand that it’s an ancient symbol often found in fantasy stories like The Hobbit, they could miss an important part of the story. Understanding the meaning of words helps readers imagine the world the author is building.  It’s about understanding what is being expressed in the story.

Reading also  involves skills such as recognizing words, understanding grammar, and processing information presented in written form. 

Literacy is beyond reading.  It refers to the ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in various contexts. Literacy involves understanding and using language—both written and spoken—across different situations. It’s the ability to express ideas clearly (writing), understand complex information, think critically, and use language in meaningful ways.  A common example is a joke. You can tell a joke but if the person doesn’t know the context, they won’t think it’s funny. In the same way, you can read but if you don’t understand the context it’s just a bunch of words.  Literacy is both reading, understanding and applying.

These are critical life skills for personal relationships, professional success and financial stability.

It is crucial to start this process early, right from birth. Have your sons become familiar with stories and  picture books.

Why does Literacy at such an early age matter?

1. Academic Success

• Early reading skills set the stage for overall academic achievement. Boys who struggle with reading early on often fall behind in other subjects, leading to frustration and disengagement from school.

2. Cognitive Development

• Reading helps boys develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and comprehension skills, which are crucial for their intellectual growth and ability to process information effectively.

3. Language & Communication Skills

• Literacy improves vocabulary, grammar, and communication, enabling boys to express themselves clearly and confidently in both verbal and written forms.

4. Emotional & Social Development

• Reading exposes boys to different perspectives, cultures, and emotions, helping them build empathy and social awareness. It also enhances their ability to understand and manage their own emotions.

5. Behavioral & Psychological Benefits

• Boys who develop strong reading skills are less likely to experience frustration in school, which can lead to behavioral issues or disengagement. Literacy can also reduce anxiety by providing a constructive way to process thoughts and emotions.

6. Future Career & Economic Opportunities

• Reading proficiency is directly linked to higher education attainment and better job prospects. Poor literacy skills limit career choices and earning potential.

7. Preventing Dropout & Delinquency

• Boys who struggle with reading are more likely to become disinterested in school, leading to higher dropout rates and an increased risk of delinquency or criminal behavior.

8. Encouraging a Lifelong Love for Learning

• If boys learn to read early and enjoy it, they are more likely to continue learning and exploring new ideas throughout their lives, leading to personal and professional growth.

Where is the data? What do the statistics tell us?

Here are key literacy statistics from various sources:

• Ontario EQAO (2014-2019):
  • Grade 3: Girls outperformed boys by 8-10%  in reading and 11-13% in writing.
  • Grade 6: Girls again outperformed boys by 8-10% points in reading and 13-17% points in writing.
• Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) 2018-2019:
  • 81% of girls passed, compared to 75% of boys, creating a 6-point gender gap.
  • This test is essential for high school graduation, which is often a requirement for apprenticeships in skilled trades and for entry into post-secondary education—making it a critical step for boys’ future success.
• Pan-Canadian Assessment Program (PCAP 2013):
  • Girls scored 23 points higher than boys in reading, showing a persistent gender gap.
• Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS 2016):
  • Girls in Canada had higher reading scores than boys, continuing a long-standing trend.

These statistics highlight a significant literacy gap favoring girls, with implications for boys’ academic and future economic success. This data does not account for the impact of COVID-19 on student performance. It’s time to help boys close the gap and provide equal opportunities for both boys and girls.

High School Drop out rates:

2009/2010, 10.3% of young men aged 20 to 24 had dropped out of high school, while the rate for young women was 6.6%

Nunavut had the highest rate of men dropping out  at 50.0% in 2007/2010.

Post Secondary Statistics:

2021 Enrollment Nationally:

56.3% Women

43.6% Men

University of Alberta Data: In the 2015-2016 academic year, women represented 54.7% of the University of Alberta’s student population, while men accounted for 45.3%.

Post Secondary Graduation Rates:

According to the OECD, 76% of women and 58% of men in Canada aged 25-34 have post secondary qualifications, marking a significant gender gap. Leading lower economic opportunities.

So, what can I do as a Father to help my son?

The biggest, simplest and low cost thing you can do as a father is read to your son and teach him literacy skills. Even just 10 to 15 minutes a day of reading  or one book a night, one chapter a night.  Then talk about it. This shows sons that fathers read books too, setting yourself up as a role model. Too often boys see moms reading to them and their primary school teacher is likely to be a woman, so he does not see men as part of learning and education.

When you are  with your son, take a trip to the library and pick out some books to read together. You can read them at the library and/or take some books home. Focus on books that have boys as heroes and leaders or scientists and problem solvers. That gives them some role models that are boys and they can see the value of boys in the stories.  After a few times, your son can see that he can have more personal time with Dad if he reads stories. Note that it is not likely your son will sit still as boys like to be constantly on the move and interacting with toys and other nearby distractions. That’s ok. Just keep reading and interacting with him about the story while he plays. He is listening!  Most girls will sit still, most boys won’t, but that’s just biology.

It’s not just reading the book.

As part of the reading process, ask him questions:

• Tell the story back to you
• What does he think will happen next?
• Why did the character do what he did?
• What would you do if that were you?
• What is your favourite part of the story and why?

The goal is to engage your son and encourage critical thinking about the story. 

Make it Personal

Another activity for a toddler or really any age, give him a book with his name written inside. It becomes his personal book, something he can carry around like a teddy bear. Encourage him to ask others to read to him or to explore the pictures on his own. The key is to show him the value of books.

Encourage your son to create his own story. After an experience, like going for ice cream or another type of outing, help him write about it. Print it out so he can have his own personalized storybook. He can draw pictures to go with the words.  This process connects reading, writing, and thinking, and allows him to share his story, highlighting the value of his very own book.

As a father, what else can I do?

1. Help your son to imagine possibilities with what he is learning is school – give role models/examples
2. Provides lots of praise and positive feedback as he probably doesn’t get that in school
3. Talk to him about exciting future goals – what do you want to be when you grow up? How do you get there?
4. Help them with homework – be aware of what your son is learning in school!  Ensure it supports positive vision for boys
5. Advocate for your son by engaging actively with his teacher. When the teacher points out his weaknesses, seek out specific examples to understand these observations better. Use this information to work with your son, helping him to address and overcome these challenges. Through your support, demonstrate his growth and resilience, proving that what might have been seen as weaknesses can be transformed or are not weaknesses at all.
6. Praise your son for being a boy and the value that boys/men bring to society. Tell them that in our society, the only way to get there is to stay in school and work hard. Perhaps reward him for working hard.
7. Be a good role model – point out male role models for your son – real people, books, movies that portray boys a strong supportive roles

Summary: 

Become a role model to your son, show him the importance of boys. Provide lots of positive reinforcement.  Take a trip to the book store or library.  Have him write a story about his time with his Dad.  Make Literacy a priority for your son and play a crucial role in making him successful in life. He needs you!

 

What’s next:?

Get ready for something exciting and empowering! We’re launching a series of dynamic initiatives designed to support fathers in every possible way. A monthly podcast packed with powerful ideas and actionable tips on how fathers can help their sons thrive and succeed. But that’s not all! Fathers will have the chance to join the conversation with questions, suggestions, and even share their own experiences. We’ll also be interviewing experts and influential guests who can offer valuable insights and advice.

And that’s just the start! We’re building a thriving community with a blog where fathers can ask questions, share answers, and support each other. Plus, we’re curating a treasure trove of resources, including must-read books for dads and their sons. And as we grow, we’re introducing an online, live support group where fathers can connect, share, and find the encouragement they need. This is your chance to be part of something special—a movement of dads committed to making a lasting difference in their sons’ lives.

Do you have questions or suggestions? 

Feel free to send us questions about helping your son become successful, we will do our best to provide a response.  

Here is our email;

Inspiringboys@menandfamilies.org

Also, if you are a father and have suggestions for other fathers, please add them to the discussion.

Stay Tuned for future topics, discussions and details.

Take our Survey!

We would love to hear from you.  

Please complete our survey, it takes 2 minutes and it will be anonymous unless you provide your email to us.

 

Suggested books with Boys as Heroes/Leaders by age:

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” ― Dr. Seuss

 

Ages 0 to 4 years old:

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

The Gruffalo” by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler 

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

Curious George series by H.A. Rey

Jack and the Beanstalk

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

The Little Engine That Could  by Watty Piper

Doctor Suess books –  help boys read by using catchy rhymes, simple vocabulary, and humorous stories that engage their imaginations. The colorful illustrations and repetitive language make reading fun and easier, building confidence and improving phonemic awareness. Themes of adventure and individuality resonate with boys, motivating them to keep reading. 

 

Ages 4 to 8 years old:

The Adventures of Jack and Gizmo 

The Adventures of Jamaal and Gizmo

The Adventures of Jay and Gizmo – By Dr. James S. Brown

Frog and Toad – by Arnold Lobel

Magic Tree House – chapter book series by Mary Pope Osborne 

Several books in the series, usually 6 to 8 or older

Magic School Bus series by Joanna Cole

Ages 8 to 12 years old:

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis

           The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

This series can be found in versions for different ages

Ages 12 to 15 years old:

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone/Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

Percy Jackson & The Olympians series by Rick Riordan

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Eragon series by Christopher Paolini

Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Resources for Fathers to read:

Rescuing our underachieving sons 

by Dr. James S. Brown, MA, MEd, EdD

The Boy Crisis: Why Our Boys Are Struggling and What We Can Do About It 

by Warren Farrel

The War on Boys: How misguided policies are harming our young men

by Christina Hoff Sommers

Of Boys and Men – Why the modern male is struggling, why it matters and what to do about it. 

By Richard V. Reeves