The TV star reflects on raising his sons alone and the impact of societal pressures.
In a heartfelt discussion with fellow panelists Craig Doyle, Jordan Banjo, and Iain Stirling, Brazier revealed that he has found it difficult to navigate the complexities of parenting in today’s world. He expressed a sense of envy towards his co-panellists, who have younger children and can engage in informed conversations about parenting issues. “I’m almost envious that you guys have got a run-up to these kind of events, and we can have these conversations where you can be informed,” he said.
Jeff is a proud dad to sons Bobby and Freddy
After the tragic death of his wife, Jade Goody, from cervical cancer in 2009, Brazier took on the role of a single father. He recounted how he raised his sons from the ages of four and five, often feeling overwhelming pressure to protect them. “I thought to myself, ‘I’ve got two children on my own,’ so I had to just get on with it,” he explained, noting how he made his world “really small” to focus solely on his children.
During the discussion, Brazier reflected on his parenting style, admitting that he often shielded his sons from negative emotions. He stated, “I just used the shield of positivity which meant that I was batting off anything negative.” This approach, while well-intentioned, led to a realization that he regrets not being a “full menu” of emotions for his children. He elaborated, saying, “You need to be able to show your sons the full emotions that men can have instead of hiding away your emotions.”
As the conversation shifted to the influence of toxic masculinity and figures like Andrew Tate on young boys today, Brazier acknowledged the societal pressures faced by men and boys. He emphasized that he cannot be the answer to everything, noting, “I’ve found it really difficult adjusting to the fact that I can’t be the answer to everything, and I don’t know how we pre-empt that.” He underscored the importance of open discussions about mental health and emotional expression.
“Adolescence,” which has sparked significant discussions about youth and online safety since its release, has resonated with many parents, including Brazier. The show’s depiction of a family’s struggle following a violent incident has raised awareness about the challenges young people face today. Brazier mentioned the difficulty of keeping children safe in a world filled with external influences, stating, “I’d say firstly whether it’s phones or other people in person, it’s not always possible to actually keep our children safe. As much as we put the responsibility solely on our shoulders, and we obviously do our best to protect, sometimes people get to them.”
In the emotional segment, Brazier read a letter to his younger self, discussing his journey and the lessons he has learned along the way. He reflected on how his coping mechanisms have evolved and how he has worked to be more emotionally available for his sons. “But I’ve certainly done loads and loads of work on it since and I make sure I am as much of a full menu as I can possibly be,” he concluded.
The episode of “Loose Men” not only highlighted the importance of mental health discussions among men but also served as a reminder of the complexities of parenting in a modern context. As Brazier navigates his role as a father, he continues to advocate for open communication and emotional honesty, encouraging other fathers to do the same.
Loose Women airs weekdays at 12:30 PM on ITV, providing a platform for important discussions surrounding parenting, mental health, and societal issues.
