Comments on: Do you need a Daddy Book?

By: Issa - Single Mama NYC

Issa - Single Mama NYC — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:05:19 +0000

Thank you for this reminder!! I have yet to start this with my little guy because I wasn’t ready for it, quite frankly. I think I am now, though. Such a great tool; thank you again, Dr. Leah.

By: Deb

Deb — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 21:21:53 +0000

I think its a great idea my daughter is 16 and her father has been absent since shehwas 6 weeks old. She still asks me why he doesn’t contact or care about her. I think something like this book would have helped her a lot. I tell her I am lucky cause I didn’t have to share her and he’s the one that missed out not her.

By: Stacy H. Price

Stacy H. Price — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 19:27:21 +0000

The Daddy Book seems like a great way to express a child’s feelings of sadness and disappointment. Depending on the child, it can be a great tool of containment for strong emotions and may aid with the healthy development of emotion regulation.

In addition to the use of the Daddy Book, I encourage parents to often engage in an open dialogue with their children regarding the child’s feelings about the absence of the other parent. Being readily available to discuss these emotions with your child will have a positive effect your parent/ child relationship as well as strengthen your bond.

By: Samantha

Samantha — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 23:25:06 +0000

I love this idea. I might have used it when my daughter was younger. Fortunately, I’ve had very few problems with no-show dad fallout. I didn’t tell her that he was coming so she didn’t get her hopes up. When he did come I treated it as a wonderful surprise.

I’ve had one or two occasions when he didn’t show and she knew he was supposed to come. This had a serious impact on her life and I had to do a lot of explaining and repairing the damage. I explained that he made a choice that did not reflect on her value as a person.

Younger children may have problems understanding this concept (so the book is a great option) but older children can.

By: Rachel K

Rachel K — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:46:34 +0000

What a good idea! My son has been asking this question a lot lately (where’s my dad?) and i’ve been able to skirt around it for some time, but I finally told him the truth (gently of course) and I think this will be a great way for my son to express his feelings about his “father”s by choice absence. Thanks!

By: Heather

Heather — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:32:55 +0000

I love this idea! I have a drawing diary for my daughter. It’s for her to draw her day, her thoughts, her dreams, etc. She did it consistently for a few days to a week and then it slowed down, picked up again, and slowed down. It’s her diary, so I don’t push her to do it every day.
This is an amazing idea! I think I might give this a whirl for when she comes home spazzed and frazzled. Thank you!