A Queensland father has created a ‘code of conduct’ for his sons to live their lives by, in a ‘drive to create better men from ground roots’.
Adam Johnson, from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, created the list for his two sons Jack, 16 and Oscar, eight.
The detailed list went viral this week after the Queensland father-of-two posted it online in April.
The Code of Conduct started with what Mr Johnson described as the most important rule of all: ‘Under no circumstances is it acceptable to raise a hand or mentally abuse a woman’.
Adam Johnson pictured together with his family, including two sons, Jack and Oscar
The ‘Johnson Boys Code of Conduct’ went on to say ‘manners, they are the definitive difference between a man and a gentleman’.
While it imparted lessons on manners and respect, it also went on to detail some more unique guidelines.
‘Never point a gun at someone, unless you are prepared to shoot’, and ‘buy a plunger before you need a plunger’.
After the list went viral, the Queensland father revealed to Daily Mail Australia the tragic reason he was inspired to sit down and write the list.
Mr Johnson said he found himself struggling with a ‘lack of guidance’ when he was young.
‘I remember burying my father at age 13 and then looking after my mother for some years while she was dying of cancer, which took her a week following me finishing school,’ he said on Sunday.
‘I was quite scared and somewhat lonely and found myself with no guidance other than accepting it from whoever I could.
‘It turned out that some of these were not particularly pleasant people.
The Queensland father told Daily Mail Australia he was inspired to write the list because he found himself struggling with lack of guidance when he was young
‘I was also guided by some extremely beautiful people. But young, angry and without light at the end of any tunnel, I just wasn’t being the best possible person I could be.’
Mr Johnson said a cancer scare of his own was the final push he needed.
‘It prompted me to write it and hand the original draft to Jack on his 16th birthday,’ he said.
‘It’s not necessarily “right”, it’s not requesting anyone else to be part of it, and I’m not expecting this of anyone else.
‘This is me doing the best I can to deliver society men that can lead by example with whatever code they choose to live by.’
‘This is me doing the best I can to deliver society men that can lead by example with whatever code they choose to live by,’ Mr Johnson said
While his most important rule laid out the importance of never hitting a woman, Mr Johnson said his favourite rule was: ‘If you see someone with a medal you buy them a beer even if you can’t afford one for yourself’.
The list was full of positive and empowering words of wisdom for his young sons, but also imparted a few lessons in love.
‘Always go out in public like you are about to meet the love of your life,’ it reads.
While another encouraged Mr Johnson’s sons to ‘go after women that you perceive to be ‘out of your league’.
Mr Johnson’s list was full of positive and empowering words of wisdom for his young sons, but also imparted a few lessons in love
Many of the ‘rules’ in what the family called the ‘Johnson Boys Code of Conduct’ were simple, such as respecting women, the elderly and possessions.
Being fun, honest and enthusiastic was hailed as ‘infectious’ and the boys were also encouraged to be a voice for those who did not have one, if the ‘matter was worthy and for the good of all’.
Mr Johnson said the list was so important in the household, it was the first thing the boys saw when they walked out of their bedrooms.
He said the list was flexible, and designed to change over time.
‘It’s allowed to change, things are allowed to drop out and more things are allowed to come in,’ he said.
‘Buy a plunger before you need a plunger, and keep a change of shirt at the ready,’ Mr Johnson said in the viral list