The University of Auckland, Dept of Psychology is looking for participants in a study about men's opinions on issues relating to pre-birth genetic testing. This research aims to investigate men's opinions regarding prebirth testing for genetic risk for diseases and disabilities. Pregnancy-related issues are often stereotypically presented as issues for women only. In this study, we would like to empower men by giving them the opportunity of express their views on a topic which undeniably requires their involvement.

To learn more about the study and to take part, please send a blank email to prenatal@auckland.ac.nz.

Researcher:
Cecile Muller, Department of Psychology, The University of Auckland (Tamaki Campus), Private Bag 92019, Auckland.

Supervisor:

We just reveiced the following request from The Sun newspaper (UK) - please contact Ellie directly if you are interested:

Are you a teen dad or a dad who became a parent as a young teen, at 13, 14, 15 years old? I'm writing a feature for The Sun newspaper on the experiences of men who became dads in their early teens - how was it being a dad so young, the story of how it all happened and how your life has changed since your child's birth.

You would have to be identified and willing to be photographed and you would also be paid. Please contact Ellie White (ellie.white@the-sun.co.uk) ASAP if you think you can help.

Jennifer asked the following question - sorry Jennifer your email address didn't work so we posted your question and answer here:

"I am looking for books to get a dad on why he feels lost with his children? Why he always thinks the kids pick everyone else but him? Just feeling neglected because of how the mother was overprotective with the kids. Can you please direct me? Thank you!"

DIYFather:

Perhaps you'd like to try the books by Steve Biddulph "Raising Boys" or "Manhood". Hope this helps.

-DIYFather

What’s everyone doing for safety precautions for Halloween? My husband came across an article (i-newswire.com) with some info about background checking neighbors. I thought that may be a little overboard but it had some other good suggestions for some precautions I haven’t thought about. Last year my youngest son came down with a massive fever after Halloween. I almost thought about just taking the kids to our church’s fall festival this year instead of door-to-door to prevent that from happening again. I don’t know yet. What’s your advice? Am I over-reacted or just being a concerned mom?

- Shelly Haggerty

My ex husband and I divorced over 10 years ago. He remarried 10 months later. I lost my home because I was unable to pay for it do to my lack of education and skills. He continued to prosper his business and lives on a golf course home, has a ministry, and travels. His wife has undermined the relationship with his daughter where her family has priority over our daugther. He was abusive to me and abandoning during our marriage. The relationship with his wife supersedes the one with his daughter. He has a
hands off with her, and will not help her out financially, even though he is well off. My daughter is very capable and responsible, but could have used
some assistance in acquiring her own home as well as for other issues. My ex will not even speak to me, even if it has to do with our daughter. Our daughter is our only child. His present wife cannot have children. I feel that his priorities are misplaced greatly and it continues to place a wound on our daughter.

I have moved away from my family for work. I could have stayed put and worked in a factory but my wife has sacrificed a lot for me to study over four years to work in the television industry. My wife also wants to work in tv/film. Towards the end of my study an opportunity to adopt a beautiful girl came and we decided to go along with the adoption. Where I used to live had no work opportunities. I would gladly leave my job to be with my daughter but my wife wants me to get her into the industry as well OR ELSE (she reckons). Either way I would have less time with my daughter.

My question is how can I build and maintain a strong father-daughter relationship from a long distance. I am 4 hours drive away and I go home every chance I get (depending on finances). It is bad enough that she may feel rejected from her birth parents let alone her adopted father living away from her (she is two years old).

Am I over-reacting?

-Tom

Question from Hanli:

My husband is wonderful and very invovled in my daughter's activities all around, however lately he has started telling her how sexy she is and this is of concern to me as she is only 10 yrs old. I have mentioned to him that he should rather use beautiful or gorgeous however he does not agree with me and says that I am over reacting. Please could you give me some advise on this subject?

Question from Judy:

Do you think it is "natural" for a dad to continue allowing his 12 year old daughter to sleep in his bed with him on a regular basis? I don't suspect any foul play here; it is simply something she has done since she was an infant.

I have been a dad before. Mid 90's to be exact. I have not seen my daughter since 2000. I would like to be a dad again. I am now in my mid-40's though, and finding a woman who is younger than 35, who wants to have kids AND wants to hook up with someone my age is proving a nightmare. Most women under 40 don't want anyone over 35. I feel very left out in the cold. I am finding it hard to even find a solo mum who wants a partner and someone to be a dad to her kid(s). I remember a while back you couldn't fight them off ... now it seems they don't want another man in their life - they are quite happy thank you very much just being the single mother raising their kid(s) - without any male influence. If you have any thoughts and ideas I'd be interested in hearing them.

-Sam

My 3 year old son bites me when he can't do something. What can I do to stop this? thanks mates

-Scott