Male child expectations

Pride Sakupwanya

A HARARE-based mental health advocate and psychologist has called on the country to stop demanding high expectations from their sons.

Tafadzwa Meki, founder of Someone Always Listens Toyou (SALT Africa), said there were cultural expectations, which weigh heavily, on the boy child.

“Responsibilities thrust upon the shoulders of a male child, such as being called the man of the house, are huge.

“This applies to little boys in primary school where they are taught to man up, and that men are not supposed to cry,” said Meki.

She stressed that when expectations are not met, it affects their ego.

“When one has been termed provider, it becomes difficult to accept the inability to provide and often takes away their ego, resulting in depression,” she said.

She said times have changed and men need to open up about what would be troubling them.

“Men should not conform to everything because times have changed and these men need someone to talk to.

“The same culture that encourages men not to cry is the same culture that will say if only he had spoken to someone,” she said.