VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — In his CHKD blog, Fathers Help Shape Masculinity Traits, mental health counselor, Andrew Jattau warns about toxic masculinity.
Toxic masculinity is the idea that manhood is defined by sex, power, and aggression. Jattau said the way men understand masculinity impacts their emotional well being, how they view and treat women, and their social relationships.
"Toxic masculinity-the way that it impacts children is they look at us as role models in their lives," said Jattau.
As a counselor, Jattau encourages fathers to allow their boys to express themselves in whatever way makes them happy.
"Really into encouraging men when they feel sad, it's ok to feel sad. When they're anxious or worried, know that it's ok to express and to talk about that as well," he said.
Jattau founded a business called Mylemarks that focuses on creating tools for healthy social and emotional development in children. He heads "Dads In Action," a program that helps fathers foster healthy relationships with their children.