One of the main reasons parents come to me as a Parent Coach is because they’re looking for a positive male role model for their child. Or as more than one parent (and myself!) have said aloud in a rush: a “rail mole rodel”! It’s surprisingly tricky to say—go ahead, try it.
But behind the tongue twister is something very real.
However amazing—or not amazing—Dad may be, our teens need to be seen, heard and validated by someone outside the immediate family. Ideally, someone who brings grounded male energy, curiosity, presence, and warmth. It’s not about replacing anyone—it’s about expanding the circle of trust and influence that surrounds them.
Why It Matters
Often, young people are surrounded mostly by women—brilliant mums, female teachers, aunties, therapists—and what they’re missing is a steady, positive male presence who sees them with fresh eyes and believes in who they are becoming.
Some teens simply respond better to men. Others are yearning for more male energy to balance out their emotional world. And honestly, there just aren’t that many men out there doing what I do—coaching, guiding, and mentoring teens in a consistent, emotionally intelligent way.
That’s why every day, in our Best Life group calls, I’m connecting with teens—boys and girls alike—and helping them feel loved, empowered, and capable again. I support them in areas such as emotional resilience, communication, and how to build self confidence. And just as importantly, I’m coaching parents on how to support that transformation at home. Many of the biggest changes happen on our monthly Parent Hub calls, where a breakthrough with one teen can ripple positively through the entire family.
Our Role as Parents Is Changing
In the teen years, we’re not centre stage anymore—and that can be hard. Our job becomes more about pulling strings skillfully from the side, facilitating opportunities, and seeking out the right people to step in where we no longer can.
I’m living this myself.
My daughter is 13. My son is 11. And they’re already showing signs of needing their own mentors, guides, and spaces that aren’t just “mum and dad.” Some of those guides we already know—others we’ll have to find. People outside our usual circle. People who can offer new perspectives and meet particular needs.
And that’s okay. In fact, it’s powerful.
A Simple Step Forward
If any of this is resonating, I’d love to offer you something simple, free, and potentially game-changing:
👉🏽 Book a 15-minute open call with me this week.
It’s not a sales call. There’s no pressure. It’s just a chance for us to talk about your teen, your family, and how you might take the next step—whether that involves me or not. To book a call, click this link:
https://calendly.com/henrydingle/15-minute-meeting-quickchatq
We’ll keep it light, real, and hopefully even enjoyable. That’s one of my standards for all my calls—with teens or parents. You’ll walk away with more clarity, more confidence, and a deeper sense that you are not alone in this.
If you’re feeling stuck, worried, or unsure what to do next, take this small action. It could unlock something bigger than you expected.
See you soon,
Henry
If you’re not already a member of our awesome Young Fire Academy Parent Community Group on Facebook, come join us! Get support from me and other like-minded parents who are on this journey too.
👉 Click here to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/youngfireparents/
