Wayne's Fatherhood Blog

One of the most disturbing but important books I have read in a long time is Rabies Mom. This book tells the story of Pat Carroll, who loses a daughter to death due, at least in part, to her custodial mother's neglect. Pat subsequently goes on a crusade to get custody of his remaining five children through an uphill battle with family court. Read my summary and review of Rabies Mom and then get a copy for yourself if you are a non-custodial dad fighting for custody.

Here is a fascinating story. Fayetteville, North Carolina Police Chief Tom Bergamine was contacted by his officers indicating that the Chief's 18-year-old son Joey had been driving drunk. When his son at home would not wake up and open the door, Bergamine kicked in his son's bedroom door and poured cold water on him to wake him up. Now, the defense attorney is arguing that Bergamine was at that moment a police officer and not a father and did not have a warrant. Check out the story in this column in the Fayette Observer and weigh in with your comments.

Too often, parents set their teenagers up for failure at school and in life. Author, teacher and coach Bruce J. Gevirtzman shares from his viewpoint the most common mistakes parents make with their teens and ways to change behavior to increase the likelihood of success in these children's lives.

Being the father of five and now grandfather of three, I've had a pretty good view of how moms act after the birth of a baby. In the case of these women in my life, we have run the gamut from elation to depression. About 80% of new moms experience at least some feelings of depression after the birth of a baby, and I suspect about 80% of new dads have no idea that is true. Learn more about postpartum emotional issues and what dads can do to be supportive through this difficult experience.

Fathers who lose unborn children to abortion can sometimes really struggle with the loss. On September 8 and 9, the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago and the Knights of Columbus are sponsoring the Reclaiming Fatherhood Conference in Oak Brook, Illinois. Featured presenters will include therapists and fathers who will address the emotional and spiritual aspects of abortion. Visit the Chicago Knights of Columbus website to learn more about this conference and this important issue for many fathers who feel the loss from abortion.

Illinois Senator Barack Obama in the apparent Democratic nominee for President of the United States in 2008. To many just a few months ago, he was a relative unknown. Learn more about Senator Obama's feelings and attitudes about fatherhood and about his own life experiences that have made him a committed father and husband.

Helping kids deal with the peer focus on popularity can be a challenge for fathers, particularly when your child may not be part of the inner and popular circle at school or in the neighborhood. Marriage and family counselor Sally Sacks shares insights and advice for parents working through popularity issues.

With the first day of school approaching quickly for most school districts, a Chicago-based organization, the Black Star Project, is organizing the Million Father March. In this march, dads walk their children to school of the first day of school to demonstrate their commitment to their kids and to education. Find out who the Million Father March coordinator is in your community, or volunteer to organize one.

In this very helpful article from guest contributor and parent coach Derek Randel, one dad learns what it takes to recognize and address a cyber-bullying challenge with his daughter. I suspect many dads don't even know if their children are victims of cyber-bullying, and if they are, what dads should do about it. Learn what to ask your children and what to do if someone at school or in the neighborhood is threatening them.

With so much on television today that is just inappropriate for our pre-teens, About.com's Tween Parenting Guide Jennifer O'Donnell has compiled a list of the shows you absolutely should recommend for your tweens. And candidly, I have watched all these shows and they are great for people of all ages, including dads (Mythbusters is one of my all time favorites).