With Father’s Day fast approaching, we are reflecting on the importance of role models for children – particularly boys, the fathers of tomorrow. We’re lucky enough to have two fabulous, boisterous boys and they sure keep us busy, particularly with the cleaning up around them!

For various reasons, not all boys are lucky enough to have fathers in their lives. Whether the role model is their father or another older male, it is vital that boys have someone who can help to guide them as they learn about what it means to be a man in today’s society.

The task of being a role model is increasingly tricky as traditional gender roles break down in modern life, leaving many confused about what it actually means to be a man. Regardless of the exact way we want to teach our boys to be boys, if they have a father, inspiration will be drawn from watching him in day to day life. There are many dads out there doing a great job of that, and Father’s Day is a day for the Dad’s to be congratulated and encouraged to continue the important job of raising children.

Boys have always been inclined to seek out risky behaviour that tests physical limits. Many experts believe the lack of risk in the day to day activities of a typical boy these days is leading to angry and resentful men who have lost their way. Whether this is true or not, it is worth reminding ourselves that we do need to give boys the freedom to explore and push the limits of their developing bodies. It’s in their nature after all, with hundreds of thousands of years of evolution making it so.

To the dads around Australia on Father’s Day, hats off to you all. Most of Joonya’s customers are women but Joonya is a brand that speaks to the whole family. Thanks to all of you for your ongoing support of our family business. When you buy Joonya, you are supporting an Australian family directly. You can’t say the same for most other brands.

Happy Fathers Day…

Rich & Leanne