Why Fathers Count ― New Book Stresses Importance of Fathers
By Sean Brotherson

The arrival of a new book is always exciting, and so we would like to let you know of the release of Why Fathers Count.

Why Fathers Count: The Importance of Fathers and Their Involvement with Children (edited by Sean E. Brotherson and Joseph M. White) is an edited anthology (27 chapters) dealing with the most important work men ever do ― being totally involved in the lives of their children and families.  It is men's strengths, their capacity to care and protect and give, that are needed by children, women, and men themselves. 

In a culture that questions that value of men in family life, this book provides a unique and compelling perspective on what men can contribute to their families and communities, and insight on the ways in which fathers and father figures make a meaningful difference.  Why Fathers Count offers that insight, giving a fresh and powerful perspective on the meaningful contributions of fathers and father figures to the lives of their children and families. 

What is being said about Why Fathers Count?

The reviews thus far are very positive and we welcome additional feedback. As an example, here are two reviews: 

• "Why Fathers Count artfully integrates an outstanding range of contemporary scholarship on fathers and fathering, both theoretical and applied.  While sidestepping essentialist arguments, it makes the most comprehensive case available today for the importance of fathering."  (Joseph H. Pleck, PhD, Professor of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, current general editor, Fathering)
• "There are many reasons why this book is desperately needed.  One of the most important may be that it is designed to reach a broad audience from the general public to the practitioner, from parents to policymakers, and from social service providers to academics... Why Fathers Count addresses the gaps and provides a well-needed bridge between 'the town and gown,' that is to say, between the general public and family professional.  As such, it is a timely and welcome addition to the growing literature on fathers and families."  (Jay Fagan, DSW, MSW, Associate Professor of Social Work, Temple University, former general editor, Fathering)

What topics are addressed in Why Fathers Count?

Our goal in Why Fathers Count was to address central issues and elements of fathers' experiences with their children and families.  We did this through chapters that focus on fathers and their family relationships, how fathers contribute to growth and development, and key contexts of a father's work and experience.  Some topics addressed in chapters are cited below:

On fathers and relationships:  

On fathers and development of children:  

On critical contexts for a father's involvement:

You can read the Introduction and Chapter 1, "Why Fathers Count: Fatherhood and the Future of Our Children" (Brotherson & White), at www.whyfatherscount.com.  The book will be serialized in Meridian, starting in January.

Who contributed to Why Fathers Count?

With a total of 38 contributing authors, from well-known scholars to community practitioners, a group of diverse and insightful contributors has joined to create Why Fathers Count.  Here are a few examples of contributors to the book:

• Terrance Olson, PhD, professor of family life at Brigham Young University
• Ken Canfield, PhD, founder and president (former) of the National Center for Fathering, author of The Heart of a Father
• David Dollahite, PhD, professor at Brigham Young University, author and editor of Generative Fathering
• Neil Tift, MA, director of training at the National Practitioners Network for Fathers and Families, founding director of the Fathers' Resource Center
• H. Wallace Goddard, PhD, professor and extension specialist at the University of Arkansas, author of Principles of Parenting and The Soft-Spoken Parent
• Sean Brotherson, PhD, professor and extension specialist at North Dakota State University, author of the Father Times newsletter and contributor to Meridian Magazine

These are just a few of the many fine authors who have contributed their original content and insights to Why Fathers Count.

How can I use Why Fathers Count?

Why Fathers Count was designed to acquaint a wide audience with key topics in fathers' involvement and experience, from the university student to the practitioner in the field to the parent in the home.  Its chapters are fresh, insightful, and practical, with a focus on key important findings with support from research, practice, and personal narratives.  It focuses on strengths that most fathers can and do bring to their involvement with children, and how these qualities make a meaningful difference for children and families.

Because its research-based, practical, accessible approach makes it useful for a variety of audiences, some suggestions for its use include:

• As a book to help fathers, mothers, and family members learn more about healthy parenting and family relationships;
• As a gift to a friend, colleague, or family member who cares about or is interested in family relationships.
• As a resource for research and knowledge on diverse aspects of fathers in family life;
• As a text or supplement for use in college classes with both undergraduate and graduate students;
• As a tool to help practitioners and community professionals understand and focus on key issues related to fathers and family life

Where can I get information about Why Fathers Count?

Why Fathers Count is published through Men's Studies Press, and further information about it can be accessed directly at http://mensstudies.com or http://www.whyfatherscount.com.

Why Fathers Countcan be ordered directly from Men's Studies Press at www.whyfatherscount.com, or from quality bookstores or online bookstores. Pre-publication discounts of 20 to 25 percent extend through December 31, 2006, although the book is already available and has been released.  Why Fathers Count retails for $30.00 (paperback), $65.00 (hardback), and $15.00 e-book. 

Where can I read more from Why Fathers Count?

We feel that fathers are the greatest untapped resource in the world today for improving family and community life, and that children’s lives are changed for the better when fathers learn to be involved in healthy, caring, positive ways.  To provide some idea of the content in Why Fathers Count, we plan to serialize portions of the book on Meridian Magazine over the next year.  We hope you’ll get your own copy to use as a parent or share it with others you think might benefit.  

About the Editors

Sean E. Brotherson, PhD, is associate professor of child development and family science at North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND.  He is the state's extension family life specialist, co-director of the Dakota Fatherhood Initiative, author of the Bright Beginnings parenting curriculum, and co- author of the Father Times parenting newsletter for fathers and father figures.  He has published on topics ranging from father involvement to family loss to marriage and relationship education.  He is a husband and father of six children.

Joseph M. White, PhD, is research professor in sociology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  He served as founder and co-director of the Dakota Fatherhood Initiative.  He has published on topics ranging from fatherhood policy to American Indian fathering to identity, spirituality, and substance abuse recovery.  His greatest work occurs at home where he is a husband and father of seven children.

Contact Information

If you would like to share feedback or seek further information, please contact Sean Brotherson at sean.brotherson@ndsu.edu, Joseph White at jwhite3@unl.edu, or send a note to brotherson@meridianmagazine.com.  We look forward to hearing from you!