But they act as though fathers must be badgered and bullied into caring for their children. Sure, some men won't touch a diaper. Both conservatives and feminists love to bash feckless dads who desert their wives and children. Several of the Journal panelists talk about the need to stigmatize these men, as if we didn't already. But two-thirds of the time, it's the mom who ends the marriage.
Many fathers fight tooth and nail to remain a part of the children's lives.
Some lose hope and vanish. Ultimately, a father-friendly culture benefits not only men and children but women, too. A father's presence can allow a mother either to choose a traditional home-centered life or to balance work and family far more effectively. Cathy Young is vice-president of the Women's Freedom Network. These pages are dedicated to all kids, but especially to Riana, Maia, and Christopher.