Nursery World - The early years sector is anti-male

I believe that anti-male policy is preventing men from working in the early years sector. As a male single parent, grandparent and qualified pre-school practitioner, I have been made to endure suspicion, mistrust and ridicule from some of society's so-called nurturers. We need to rid ourselves of the 'nanny state', where domineering control freaks seem to infiltrate the early years sector to wield authority while being admired as being good for the discipline of children. I believe that singling out smacking as being the chief outrage towards children is further evidence of anti-male policy. Smacking has traditionally been preserved by women for men to use as a deterrent, either because of the lack of their own parenting skills or, often, to avoid correction - hence the familiar phrase, 'You wait 'til your father gets home!'.

I believe that singling out smacking as being the chief outrage towards children is further evidence of anti-male policy. Smacking has traditionally been preserved by women for men to use as a deterrent, either because of the lack of their own parenting skills or, often, to avoid correction - hence the familiar phrase, 'You wait 'til your father gets home!'.

What, though, is being done to minimise all forms of abuse, including mental and emotional, that are being perpetrated by many women who work with, or have responsibility for, children? For example, I have seen mothers use emotional blackmail, heightening a traumatic event when leaving their children in pre-school or school in order to fill a desire to be 'missed' and 'needed'. I have also heard children described as 'brats' and various other expletives, in addition to being dragged or shouted at by women working in the capacity of school volunteer, childminder and even pre-school leader, as well as by the mothers themselves. What is being done to correct the lasting damage being done to children by this all-too-common type of individual?

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