Dads Under Construction: Adventures in Fatherhood

Karen F. Danielson, Ph.D., is a research consultant at Laurentian
University who specializes in leisure, textiles, family life, and Japan.

In this very personal account of life with his father and his children,
Neil R. Campbell makes a case for responsible, involved fathering. He
describes significant interactions with his work-oriented father as he
learned to ride a bike, experimented with firecrackers, played tricks,
established his independence, and suffered the death of a sister. After
discussing the maturation of their relationship as his father reached
old age, he describes his own experiences as a father of two daughters.

Throughout the book, interactions with fathers are portrayed as
meaningful and enjoyable. Although childhood pranks change with the
generations, the author finds common patterns. He encourages the telling
of old stories to help children identify with the childhood of their
parents and grandparents. He distinguishes the playfulness of fathers
from the quiet balance that is typical of relationships with mothers.
And he provides insights into the challenges that arise when children
strive to become more intimate and when they try to become more
independent.

Campbell is the founder of Dads Can and the facilitator of programs
advocating for involved fathering. His support for the development of a
personalized fathering style makes Dads Under Construction appropriate
for men in a wide variety of situations. Mothers and children are likely
to enjoy this little book as well, since there are many ways they can
learn to facilitate the activities of the dads in their lives.