Toxic masculinity and raising children

[WisdomOfCrowds]

I've recently realised that my partner has a lot more internalised "toxic masculinity" than I (and I think he) knew. He's always talked a good talk about being opposed to traditional gender roles but recently things like not being able to admit fault or failure, ask for help, show weakness etc have caused him to develop severe depression. I'm so sad for him but mostly I'm afraid that if we can't get a handle on this then we're going to model it to our son and he's going to grow up to internalise the same beliefs. He's only 2 and the most gorgeous happy little boy. I can't bear the idea of him growing up to face the loneliness, fear, and sadness that so many men face as a result of toxic masculinity. How do I stop this and protect him from it? How do I model a better way for him?

You cant model male behaviour for your children. Children can tell which sex we are and they are hard wired to model by sex.
If your partner is determined to be a good parent he should get counselling.

I do think counselling and de-programming the "toxic masculinity" deep rooted beliefs is the way. But Robert Webb's book is also good for starting to question what's considered the 'right' way to be a man. Just read it and it's an excellent read, moving, funny and really insightful around the toxic masculinity stuff.