The launch of Letters to Our Sons, the new book from actor Stephen Graham and Orly Klein, was a powerful reminder of something at the heart of MAN&BOY’s work: the importance of spending quality time with boys.
The book brings together 200 letters from fathers to their sons, each offering a personal insight into fatherhood, relationships and the hopes fathers have for their boys.
Our Executive Director Jim Clements was at the launch event, hosted by Amol Rajan, where a number of the fathers featured in the book shared their letters and spoke about their experiences. While every story was different, some common themes emerged: being present, listening, encouragement and making time for one another.
Those themes are very familiar to MAN&BOY and the work that we do.
One story shared by Stephen Graham particularly stood out. He described an occasion when his son asked him to play football. Stephen initially said no because he had something else he needed to do. But when he saw his son's reaction, he changed his mind and went to play. The words that stayed with many people at the event were: “That can wait!... That can’t.” It was a simple moment, but it captured the importance of recognising opportunities to spend time together.
At MAN&BOY, this is something we see through our work with families. Our programmes give boys and the significant men in their lives dedicated time together, away from the usual routines and distractions of everyday life.
Our adventure camps, activity days and climbing courses are built around shared experiences. The activities - from climbing and canoeing to archery, camping and team challenges - give families a focused activity to do together, but they also create opportunities to talk, listen and enjoy time together.
The message from Letters to Our Sons reflects much of what we hear from the families who take part in MAN&BOY. Boys value spending time with their important male role models, and the experiences they share can help build confidence and strengthen their relationships.
There are wider challenges facing boys and young people today, many of which families cannot control. But creating positive relationships and making time to be together is one practical way that parents and other role models can support the boys in their lives. The stories shared at the launch were a timely reminder of just how valuable that time can be.
Sometimes, the other things can wait.
Letters to Our Sons is available for pre order now (delivery on 1 October), with proceeds supporting MANUP and Dad La Soul.
