The frank² advice comes from parenting expert Noël Janis-Norton in her new book Calmer, Easier, Happier Boys.

 

According to the parenting and behavioural specialist and former teacher, fathers have much greater influence than mothers in shaping boys into well-adjusted young men - but too often mothers find it hard to back off and let dad take control.

 

'Without a strong father-figure, (which could also be a step-father or grandfather), boys may struggle to learn how to express their emotions constructively³, how to handle their physical strength and learn to respect others - and themselves,' Janis-Norton tells the MailOnline.

 

'Mothers need to allow dads to be dads and to have their own relationship with their children - and in particular with their boys - without trying to micromanage,' she says.

 

The parenting expert, who has been credited⁴ by the likes of Helena Bonham-Carter turning her family life around, also warns mothers about being barking too many orders.

 

'A boy will lose respect for the mother who appears to bossing the father around – or criticising him,' she says.

 

So when Dad gets little Tommy dressed in the wrong clothes, feeds him the wrong breakfast and then starts a pillow fight should Mum just look on through gritted⁵ teeth?

 

'Yes - absolutely she should!' says Janis-Norton. 'And the gritted teeth part comes because mums assume⁶ they know best - but actually none of us is perfect. We’ve got weaknesses too.

 

'We're not doing it right all the time. So really we shouldn't be judging the dads!'

点击收听单词发音