Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Who are good male role models?

112 replies

Echobelly · 04/04/2023 21:00

Just seen discussion about this on Twitter. We do talk a lot about the bad ones, but what public figures should our boys look up to?

Dwayne Johnson always seems pretty good to me - he seems like a really caring dad, but he's still 'strong' if that's something a boy finds important and he doesn't take himself too seriously.

NB, I think boys should be able to look up to women too of course. That's why I thought it was good to have a female Doctor in Doctor Who. I didn't think Whittaker was that great but the fact is DS loves Doctor Who and really liked her in it so I think it's a good thing he has a female hero figure out of that.

OP posts:
Number24Bus · 04/04/2023 21:04

My sons like football, and I think Marcus Rashford and Gareth Southgate are good role models for them.

Genevra · 04/04/2023 21:05

Marcus Rashford. Excellent footballer and campaigns against child poverty and racism.

dildeewana · 04/04/2023 21:06

We've just watched the series "limitless" by Chris Hemsworth (aka Thor). He shows that everyone has weaknesses but you can overcome it with perseverance and hard work. As a huge hulking guy who plays the god of thunder but is afraid of heights, it was a great watch with my 8 year old boy. I think he's a really good role model for youngsters.

Original poster
Echobelly · 04/04/2023 21:16

Marcus Rashford and Gareth Southgate are great ones, yeah

OP posts:
doodlejump1980 · 04/04/2023 21:19

Sir Chris Hoy

isthewashingdryyet · 04/04/2023 21:21

Owain the weather forecaster. Hardworking, not afraid to wear a brooch and very confident about who he is

C1N1C · 04/04/2023 21:23

Keanu Reeves

DutchCowgirl · 04/04/2023 21:23

Keanu Reeves? My sons love Jon Wick and then mum gets all soggy about what a great actor he is. Unlike when they are watching Pirates of the Caribbean…

squashyhat · 04/04/2023 21:24

Tim Peake, Sir David Attenborough, Gareth Thomas.

SertralineAndTherapy · 04/04/2023 21:25

Sir David Attenborough

Skinnermarink · 04/04/2023 21:25

Bluey’s dad.

spidereggs · 04/04/2023 21:27

David Attenborough? Paul o Grady I loved his kindness.

Doddle weir.

Jeez just asked kids and that was answers and two have now diedSad

Skinnermarink · 04/04/2023 21:27

also Chris Packham.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 04/04/2023 21:30

Rob Burrow
Jay Blade

quietlycontent · 04/04/2023 21:30

Steve Backshall, Harry Kane, Owen Farrell in this house

granhands1 · 04/04/2023 21:42

Patrick Stewart, vocal about men standing against domestic violence

JaneJeffer · 04/04/2023 21:49

Most of these men will seem ancient to boys!

PipinwasAuntieMabelsdog · 04/04/2023 21:53

David Attenborough
Brian Cox
Marcus Rashford
Tom Daley
Bear Grylls

DoNutSweatTheSmallStuff · 04/04/2023 22:15

David Attenborough
Marcus Rashford
Harry Kane
Steve Backshall
Hamza ?? (Was on SCD!)
Gareth Southgate
Barack Obama
Rafa Nadal
Roger Federer

Oopswediditagain2023 · 04/04/2023 22:15

Marcus rashford definitely.
I'd also say current day Tyson fury
Lil nas X
Tom Holland

Oopswediditagain2023 · 04/04/2023 22:15

DoNutSweatTheSmallStuff · 04/04/2023 22:15

David Attenborough
Marcus Rashford
Harry Kane
Steve Backshall
Hamza ?? (Was on SCD!)
Gareth Southgate
Barack Obama
Rafa Nadal
Roger Federer

Oh yes seconding Hamza!!!

ASixPackAndTheRadio · 04/04/2023 22:18

Definitely not Tom Daley as he doesn’t value women in sport.

Marcus Rashford seems a good man.

usernotfound0000 · 04/04/2023 22:19

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 04/04/2023 21:30

Rob Burrow
Jay Blade

To add to Rob Burrow - Kevin Sinfield. A wonderful example of male friendship.

jays · 04/04/2023 22:21

C1N1C · 04/04/2023 21:23

Keanu Reeves

100%

KitBumbleB · 04/04/2023 22:37

Ryan Reynolds