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Full-Time Dads;
The Magazine for Caregiver Fathers
Issue 14, originally appeared in print - March 1995
Through reading the articles offered for this issue, some of which will have to appear in later issues simply for lack of space in this one, and in contemplating my own understanding of the men's movement, I've come across some interesting things I never knew before.
The most fascinating thing I learned, mostly from reading Fatherless America, David Blankenhorn's new book (watch for a review), and from Chris Holme's article in this issue, is that as late as 1942, there was no doubt in the public mind that manhood and fatherhood were linked in the most basic way. In fact, fatherhood, or paternity, was once the most important factor in a man's sense of his own masculinity. There was great concern during W.W.II over sending fathers into battle, and fathers were exempt from the draft for the first part of the war. Many of the letters sent home from the battlefield during the Civil War express the soldiers concern about their children.
Before the Industrial Revolution, the father held a much more central role in the lives of his children, being responsible for their education both moral and practical, and as their legal guardian without question. As I understand it, when families in pre-industrial America broke up, it was the father who was far more often than not given legal custody of the minor children.
We've come a long way since then, and even if we could go back, I'm not sure the gains would outweigh the losses. For myself, I would be glad to see men rediscover the essence of their manhood through their becoming, and being, involved fathers. I know what it has meant to me-a solidifying of my physical life and an inspiration to examine in great detail my moral, ethical and spiritual self. I believe I am more assured of my manhood because of being a father. I hope the brief and all too incomplete exploration presented here will inspire some of you to begin a longer journey into the essence of manhood. Keep in touch!
Speaking of essence, Vic Goodman, who has been contributing The Essence of Parenting column for the past year, has decided to move on. I know many of you have profited, as I have, from his insights. His contribution will be sorely missed, and I thank him for his efforts, and wish him all the best.
Prepare yourself for some changes! Our next issue, the Third Annual Father's Day Special Issue, will be completely redesigned. We're going for a less formal look, and I hope you will like it. Please let me know what you think!
I'd also like to invite you all to contribute to our next issue, and I'll make it worth your while. We'd like to know "What did your father teach you?" It's a pretty wide open topic, but I'm sure you can think of something. Whether it's something mundane like how to throw a killer curve ball or bait a hook, or something deeper like how to persevere in the face of adversity, or even how not to treat your own children, we have all been affected in one way or another by the teachings of our fathers. See if you can come up with a paragraph or two, or three, or whatever. As an incentive, we'll put the names of everyone who contributes into a hat and draw a winner, who will receive a complete Full-Time Dads Gift Pack, which includes a T-shirt, a cap and a coffee mug.
So make a little space for yourself, put pen to paper and send it in. The deadline is May 8, so don't put it off too long. And good luck!
Copyright 1994 Stephen Harris
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