Online

Nurse, Learie

College of Education and Social Services

2006

MEd

This scholarly personal narrative highlights the effects of paternal absence in the emotional development and nurturing of his children, especially his sons. It identifies some of the identities with which a male child has to grapple and struggle in order to reach a level of maturity without the presence of a father. Some of these include his spirituality, sexuality, and educational ability. This narrative also examines and illustrates the role women have played in mentoring and providing for their children in the case of an absentee father. It also emphasizes the importance of building positive communities in the home and the neighborhood which supports teenagers and fathers. My hope is that this narrative will encourage fathers and sons to connect to each other as well as showcase the importance of the relationship between a father and his son. This narrative I hope may also provide and encourage educators and professionals alike to continually don the father or mother figure role which they possess. By doing this, educators can cater to the needs of a student who may be experiencing this lack of fathering and as a result provide a caring and loving environment for their students. Fathering matters and this guide will help male student professionals mentor their students especially those with absent fathers.