Live-away dads : staying a part of your children's lives when they aren't a part of your home /

Klatte, a social worker and himself a live-away father of two daughters, examines some very pragmatic ways for fathers to remain involved in their children's lives after the parents have separated. Key among these is communicating to the children that a breakup is not their fault, as children so often assume, and here Klatte offers suggestions to explain separation in ways children can comprehend. Constructively dealing with an ex-wife is also very important, as it shows children that their parents are still committed to them despite no longer living together. However, when such cooperation isn't possible, court-ordered mediation may be needed, and Klatte thoroughly explains this process. He also tackles such issues as the financial problems that occur when one household becomes two and how to avoid some of the more destructive conflicts that may arise. Honest, insightful, and always informed by the author's personal and professional experiences. --Brian McCombie

KlatteÄa psychotherapist, social worker, and divorced father of two grown daughters who lived with their motherÄoffers solid advice and encouragement to men facing life apart from their children. Klatte begins by advising fathers to take care of themselves, including dealing with anger and depressionÄgood advice for anyone coping with a major life change. He stresses the importance of staying involved with your children despite personal difficulties or the challenges of working with their mother. Later sections deal with cooperation, using the court system, developing parenting skills, and finding support groups. This is an especially useful book because Klatte strives hard to maintain a neutral position on many issues. His is not a strident attack on mothers or courts or unfairness; rather, he seeks to help fathers "get along" for the sake of their children and for their own benefit. Highly recommended for public and community college libraries.ÄKay Brodie, Chesapeake Coll., Wye Mills, MD (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.