Back seat drivers: Moms who control dads’ time with the kids

Written on June 22, 2009 by David C. Sarnacki

The Wall Street Journal shows how “gatekeeper” mothers can help or hinder the involvement of fathers.

Sue Shellenbarger writes (excerpt):
Some ideas on avoiding the gatekeeping trap:

Skills training. . . . In the hospital after childbirth, Mr. Edwards already knew how to soothe his baby to sleep while his wife recuperated, a good start toward being “a lot more than the guy who carries stuff.”

Peer support. Men are quicker to plunge into fathering when supported by other men. . . .

Awareness. Simply becoming conscious of gatekeeping and its hazards equips some couples to avoid it. . . .

Posted in Families/Children, Relationships