Why We Need to Support Young Men Before They Face Crisis
Many young men grow up without strong support at home, in school, or their communities. They face pressure to succeed but often lack the tools to handle it. Social media, money, and status have become the measure of success.
But those things alone don’t lead to peace or purpose. What young men need is steady guidance, real examples, and a support system that helps them grow with strength and balance.
Kyle Cox understands this better than most. He is an entrepreneur, Navy veteran, and founder of TCG Footwear and Thorough Man. Before joining the Navy, he built a successful entertainment company and earned an MBA. Later, he co-created a sports app that partnered with ESPN.
After years in business and service, he saw a bigger need. He now leads a program that teaches high school boys about mental health, life skills, and purpose. All profits from his brand TCG go toward funding this work.
In this article, we’ll learn how Kyle’s early life, work, and choices shaped his path. We’ll also explore how purpose, mentorship, and mental health programs can support young men to build strong, balanced lives.
How Early Life and Family Support Young Men to Build Something
Kyle Cox’s early years shaped how he thinks, works, and builds today. He grew up in two very different areas of Los Angeles: Watts and Ladera Heights.
Watts had its struggles, but Kyle remembers the strong sense of community. Neighbors knew each other. Kids felt safe walking to the store. That support system shaped how he saw the world.
Later, his family moved to Ladera Heights, one of the most successful Black neighborhoods in the country. This shift gave him a new view of success.
But even there, the community stayed at the center. People helped each other. Families stayed connected. That experience taught him the value of shared support.
Image Credits: Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels
Key Influences:
- Family structure: Kyle grew up with both parents, which was rare in his area. They set clear expectations. He had to get good grades and stay focused.
- McDonald’s job at LAX: This was his first job and a turning point. The fast pace and pressure made him realize he wanted more control in life. That’s when the idea of working for himself first took root.
- Family of entrepreneurs: His father and grandfathers ran their own businesses. From barbershops to cable companies, they made their own way. This made entrepreneurship feel natural to him.
- Sports and discipline: Playing basketball in Los Angeles taught Kyle how to work hard and stay committed. Competing with top players helped build mental strength.
These early lessons didn’t feel important at the time. But each one built the mindset he needed to start and grow his own work. Looking back, every job, every move, and every choice helped him build what came next.
What Success Looks Like When You Support Young Men Beyond Status
Success today often looks like wealth, followers, and expensive things. But that doesn’t always lead to peace. Many people chase more, thinking it will make them happy. Then they get there and feel stuck, alone, or lost.
Image Credits: Photo by Julia M Cameron on Pexels
Balance Is Key
Money matters. It gives comfort and choices. But it can’t be the only goal. When money becomes the main reason for everything, it often leads to poor choices.
Even something good, like water, becomes harmful in excess. The same goes for money. Without balance, it causes more stress than good.
Four Essentials That Support Young Men in Business and Life
- Purpose: Purpose gives you direction. It helps you stay focused during tough times. You need a reason bigger than money.
- Passion: Passion brings energy. It helps you enjoy what you do and gives you the push to keep going.
- Perseverance: Business is full of ups and downs. You need the strength to keep moving through both.
- Sacrifice: Building something takes trade-offs. You may give up sleep, time, or even comfort to move forward.
Hold Onto What Matters
It’s easy to lose yourself while chasing success. But true success includes growth, purpose, and care for others. Take time to pause and see how far you’ve come.
Be thankful for those who helped you along the way. Reflecting on your path gives meaning to your work.
Success is not about showing off. It’s about doing work that matters to you. If you stay grounded and focused on what really counts, you build something worth keeping.
How Mentorship Support Young Men for a Better Future
Many young men feel lost. They don’t get the support or tools they need before adult life hits. That’s why connecting business with mentorship matters. The idea is simple: build a business that gives back directly and consistently.
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Creating Programs That Actively Support Young Men in High School
The brand TCG now supports Thorough Man, a nonprofit focused on mentoring high school boys. Every dollar of profit from TCG helps fund this work. This setup removes pressure to chase sales and instead builds long-term impact.
Why Focus on High School Boys?
High school is where many struggles begin. It’s also where support can make the biggest difference. Teaching life tools early can help prevent problems like depression, poor choices, or financial stress later. It’s easier to build strong men than fix broken ones.
The Program Structure
Each week, students meet in school for classes shaped around:
- Self: Students build awareness, manage stress, and learn life skills. This helps them stay grounded.
- Family: They learn to support those close to them with care and responsibility.
- Community: They explore ways to give back and stay involved in something meaningful.
Classes feel like real conversations. Mentors from different careers join each week, not to lecture, but to co-host. Students ask questions, share thoughts, and see real-life examples of success.
By the end of the year, students leave with stronger values, clear tools, and a support system. They also get practical help like building LinkedIn profiles. It’s not about fixing anyone. It’s about helping them grow with purpose, honesty, and steady support.
Why Mental Health Must Support Young Men in Personal and Real Ways
Many still believe therapy is only for rich people or those who are truly broken. In some families, it’s common to say, “Keep this in the house.” That thinking causes harm.
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It keeps people quiet when they really need support. For young men, it’s even harder because emotions are often seen as weakness.
Signs often show up early. But they get brushed off or ignored. By the time someone finally asks for help, they’ve been carrying pain alone for too long. That’s why early and open support matters. It shouldn’t take a breakdown for someone to speak up.
How Help Show Up in Different Ways
Help doesn’t look the same for everyone. It can show up in different ways:
- A talk with someone you trust
- Group sessions that feel less formal
- Physical activity with purpose
- A mentor who checks in
- Access to online support that’s easy to afford
Why Early Support Matters
High school is often the first place where mental health struggles show up. The pressure builds fast. Many teens don’t know how to speak up. Families and teachers may miss the signs.
By the time adulthood hits, the damage may already be done. That’s why early support is better than late rescue.
Why Flexible Approaches Better Support Young Men
To truly help young men, we must offer options that meet them where they are. Some may open up in a quiet talk. Others may find relief through movement or shared tasks. What matters is giving them space to process in their own way.
Normalize the Conversation
Most of all, be open about struggles. When people share their own stories, it makes it easier for others to speak up. Young men need to see that asking for help is a strength, not a flaw. When they feel safe, heard, and supported, they’re more likely to grow into healthy, steady adults.
Conclusion
To support young men, we need to start early and stay present. Many grow up without steady guidance. They face pressure to succeed but often lack the tools to handle it. Money, fame, and status may seem like success, but they rarely lead to peace.
Young men need more than pressure. They need support, purpose, and real-life examples they can trust. Teaching life skills and mental health tools early helps them stay grounded. Mentorship gives them a safe space to learn, ask questions, and grow.
Moreover, high school is the right time to step in. It’s where choices take shape and stress begins to build. Helping early prevents bigger problems later. Support should also fit different needs. Some open up through conversation.
Others feel better through action or quiet time. What matters is offering help in ways that work for them. When we support young men with care, structure, and honesty, they gain the tools to grow well. This support builds stronger people, better communities, and a better future for all.
FAQs
Why is it important to support young men during college years?
College adds pressure with money, grades, and future plans. Support helps young men stay focused and stable.
How can employers support young men entering the workforce?
They can offer mentorship, give clear feedback, and create a space where young men feel safe to ask questions.
Can sports programs help support young men beyond fitness?
Yes. Sports teach teamwork, discipline, and how to handle wins and losses. These skills help in real life.
How does peer support help young men grow?
Peers offer honesty and shared experience. Talking to someone who understands makes a big difference.
How can mothers support young men without overprotecting them?
Support them with trust. Allow them to try, fail, and learn, while reminding them they are not alone.
