Funded by the Wates Foundation, Working With Men has developed and delivered a 4 session (8 hour) programme targeting lone mothers who have sons. Previously known as ‘Raising Boys’ the programme is now called ‘Boys Development Programme’.

The programme aims to give mothers more understanding of their son’s development and behaviour; a series of techniques to provide their sons with boundaries and discipline and more confidence in supporting their sons through difficulties they might encounter.

Mothers have responded very well to the programme and both internal and external evaluations suggest we have a programme that enables mothers to learn a lot about their sons and parenting, without feeling judged.

Courses Available

There are presently two courses, one for mothers with sons 0 – 5 years old and the other for sons aged 5 – 11 years old.

The courses have five themes:

• Differences between boys and girls and boys' development
• Discipline and boundaries
• Learning how to understand why boys do what they do and what motivates them to do certain things
• Male role models (and do boys need them?)
• Preparing for school (0-5) Education and achievement (5-11)

Working With Men have also developed a training course designed for practitioners who want to deliver the Boys Development Programme to mothers with sons who are 0-5, and are looking for 20 trainers to deliver BDP over the next two years.