ALTON: Goldfinch Books

Friday 18th April, 2025

7:30pm

Event information

Join us for an open and supportive discussion on the challenges and joys of raising boys in today’s world, inspired by Ruth Whippman’s Boy Mum. With toxic masculinity, emotional well-being, and modern parenting in focus, this conversation—moderated by trained counsellor (and a parent of course), Jude —will offer insight, shared experiences, and thoughtful dialogue. This event will be ticketed to help us manage numbers, but the tickets will be just £3, the price of a hot drink, and can be redeemed against your first drink on the night, so effectively free entry!

Who is this for? ALL PARENTS, OF KIDS OF ANY AGE. We have talked before about the impacts of the patriarchy on women, and have had enlightening events with Laura Bates, Soma Sara and others. This discussion is about the boys. We are opening up some of the issues around raising boys in an environment, a patriarchy, that puts pressure on boys and men in a way that has never been so confusing, conflicting, and toxic. Who are the role models in today’s society? Andrew Tate, a rapist and trafficker of women? Musk, an unapologetic right wing oligarch? Who is it that our western democracies are voting in to the highest office to act as an example to boys and men? Trump, a convicted sex offender. Where do our boys turn to for guidance and support. As parents, there is much we can do, and talking is the first step.

This is an event for us to openly talk about these issues amongst adults, guided by the themes in Ruth Whippman’s book. You can come with issues to raise about your own experiences, to talk to others, or simply to listen and learn from other people’s experiences. All held in the welcoming space of Goldfinch, with cake and drinks on hand. Let’s navigate this together.