This podcast episode is the first in a series focused around men in early years.  An honest, reflective account of what it is like for a man to work in early years. Kevin Nelson shares his personal journey, including the honest truths in the podcast episode. Kevin also poses ideas of how we can encourage more men to choose the early years as a career, or even a stepping stone.  To read Kevin's article visit: https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-is-it-like-being-a-man-in-early-childhood/  Support for men: To support men in early childhood further, we have partnered with Male Childcare & Teaching Jobs as part of this episode and ongoing podcast series on 'men in early childhood'. Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs advocate for greater male participation in education and caregiving roles, offering support and guidance to enhance gender inclusion in nurseries and schools. To find out more visit: https://malechildcareandteachingjobs.co.uk/  Listen to more: If you enjoyed this episode you might also like to listen to 'Advocacy, agency and rights in early childhood' - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/advocacy-agency-and-rights-in-early-childhood/  Episode break down: 00:00 - The same questions, the same answers 01:50 - Are we missing something? 02:50 - The stigma associated with working in early years 04:35 - 'I was called a paedophile' 06:30 - 'Banter' and toxic masculinity 09:20 - Inside the football changing room: There's no barriers 10:40 - Skills taken into early years from football 11:20 - Do we value men in early years for who they are? 12:35 - The cultural capital you bring with you 13:40 - Creating unity within the workplace 15:00 - Similarities between football and early years 17:00 - Men take longer to mature 19:10 - What is developmentally appropriate for young men? 21:00 - The career options with early years 23:30 - Men being promoted: We need to celebrate this 25:40 - How can men empathise women if they don't work with them? 26:20 - Personal growth through working with women 27:10 - Working with empowering and inspiring women in early years 30:30 - 'My mum is my absolute hero' 31:30 - Appreciating and empathising with women 34:20 - If you want to develop empathy, work in the early years! 36:40 - Early years gives you a clearer look at life 38:00 - Giving men safe spaces to be vulnerable and open up 41:40 - Sharing personal journeys 43:20 - 'I was told not to change nappies'  46:50 - Having to 'prove yourself' as a man in early years 48:15 - A supportive team around you 49:25 - So...how DO we recruit more men into early years? 51:30 - Becoming a first time dad: The lack of support for men 52:35 - The vast skills men develop from working in early years: Personal and professional 53:40 - Advocating for men in early years 56:40 - Having more of these conversations outside of early years too For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com