Fatherneed: Why Father Care is as Essential as Mother Care for Your Child (Paperback)

~ Kyle Pruett (Author) "ABE HAD BEEN home half-time now for a month with his six-week-old daughter, Sally..." (more)
Key Phrases: nurturing domain, paternal engagement, inexperienced fathers, African American, John Snarey, Norma Radin (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A pioneer in the field of fatherhood research, Yale child psychiatrist Pruett (The Nurturing Father) draws on his own groundbreaking longitudinal study of men as primary caregivers, as well as the findings of others, in this exploration of how fathering affects both children and men. "Men are the single greatest untapped resource in the lives of American children," he contends, building a solid case for recognizing and supporting this unique and critical connection. Pruett champions the early involvement of fathers, showing how infants are "prewired" for attachment to both men and women, and explains the lifelong benefits of this mutually dependent relationship, which he calls "fatherneed," and the vital role it plays in both child development and the emotional and physical well-being of men. Showing how a healthy father-child relationship complements rather than competes with that of the mother and child, Pruett offers a host of pointers for negotiating the various stages of childhood, from infancy and toddlerhood through the early school years, adolescence ("chase your children down occasionally, buy them lunch, and listen") and young adulthood. Pruett writes with an easy grace, and his warmly relaxed style is studded with humor. Thoughtful, inspiring and eminently practical, this one belongs at the top of the "must have" list for every father. (Jan.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Library Journal

This is a well-researched book about the role of fathers. Pruett (psychiatry, Yale Medical Sch.), a well-known columnist and the author of The Nurturing Father, looks at fathers in various family situations--intact families where both parents work, intact families where fathers are primary caretakers, families in which the father is a single parent, families in which mothers have primary custody--and among a variety of cultures. His conclusions emphasize the importance of fathers in the growth of their children. He does not, however, minimize the mother's role; Pruett believes that fathers bring different assets to childrearing than mothers and feels that the mother's relationship with her children is improved by the active role of the father. Extensive notes document recent research. This important book will not only interest scholars and students but also parents who want to learn more about effective family relationships. Recommended for all libraries.
-Kay L. Brodie, Chesapeake Coll., Wye Mills, MD
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Broadway (May 8, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076790737X
• ISBN-13: 978-0767907378
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #548,676 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Overlong, but good for trade, April 12, 2000

By	Michael J. Morgan (Oshkosh, WI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: FatherNeed: Why Father Care Is as Essential as Mother Care for Your Child (Hardcover)

Pruett's attempt at expanding what could have been a chapter in an academic text into a self-help book for the masses is admirable. Yes, I think fathers and fathers-in-waiting should skim the book. Some sloppy work: doesn't the author know the difference between Penn and Penn State? But overall, makes a good case, if you can excuse the gratuitous fawning over "single mothers." The "as you'll read in the next chapter" stuff was annoying.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very, very good book!, February 11, 2007

By	Aubrey A. Anderson "Aubrey A" (Salt Lake City, UT USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I used this book as the primary text for a class on Fatherhood at the University of Utah. It is very easy to read and useful. I've recommended it to others and passed it on and they agree. It has language that is easy to understand and thus works well as a text for University study or as a self-improvement advice book. His lists of ideas and recommendations are important. I really hope that this book is not removed from print as I have heard it may be.

6 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally an explination of many of our childrens problems!, February 27, 2000

By	Steve Schinnerer (Oklahoma) - See all my reviews

This review is from: FatherNeed: Why Father Care Is as Essential as Mother Care for Your Child (Hardcover)

In this book,so much can be learned about why our children end up doing the things they do, and having the self identity problems they have. I now see that fathers have a connection with their children, not only socially, but in a much deeper sence. This is a must read for all fathers!