Old Is the New New

It has been said of me, quite a number of times, that my more recent parenting style is way too permissive and slack.

Tully started work experience today at my workplace and I couldn’t help feeling a little glow of pride watching him fit in so quickly and managing the often difficult task of relating to workmates in an all-male workplace. I suppose much of this has to do with him being naturally gregarious but I take some comfort from the knowledge that, by allowing him considerable slack from the parental leash, he feels some level of confidence in his “maleness”; by this I mean the ability to feel pretty much equal to all the other men in whatever group you happen to be in. And I guess by this I mean the ability to drink a bit more beer and smoke and talk tougher than your parents and significant others might think is advisable.

Now I happen to think masculinity is far more than this and I even think elements of this concept are not particularly good, but after many years of wishing the world was a fairer and gentler place, I’ve come to the conclusion there are worse things than the stereotypical Australian male.  And whether I like it or not, the world Tully is fast becoming a part of is pretty rough and tumble and a bit of confidence this end of his life won’t go astray.

Epiblogue: And the work experience minimum pay of $5 per day will teach him that even decent employers will seldom pay you more than they are legally obliged.