At the preschool on my block, I see almost as many fathers as mothers bringing their two- to four-year olds to school. Daddy is very visible these days: at the school, at the supermarket on the corner, and very un-self-consciously pushing a carriage. When my own children were small, that was not the case. In fact, it was the unusual father who even changed diapers.Since children learn most from example, today’s children will reach adulthood with a different picture of what a man’s role looks like when they become parents one day. I think these are healthy changes, but probably the most important part of fatherhood hasn’t changed at all. Freud said that he “could not think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection.”
Still true?
ElderChicks 
Before retiring five years ago, I noticed this with all the young married men at work. I was a receptionist at a Civil Engineering firm. Some of them helped their wives with the house cleaning as well since they worked outside the house as well. It is refreshing to see. Our youngest son is very involved with his girls and has been from the very beginning.
Touche’: my own father was a sweet,gentle, man who always made me feel welcome to his thoughts, feelings,and being. I also felt protected from danger, whatever that was because of him.
Just the other day, one of my daughters was commenting on her 13yr. old son,saying there was a certqin sweetness about him and another of my grandsons,also had the same sweetness,”must of come down from Poppy, he was such a sweet man”.
Chiqui somers
My happiest memories of my dad were the “daddy days” where he took me, alone, to the circus, shopping, etc. and we shared time together without my siblings or mother. When I was older we discussed books, politics, world affairs, all of which he never lost interest in until his death at 89. I’m sure both my brother and sister had such memories but these were purely mine.
What wonderful memories, Jackie. I hope young dads make time for such one-on-one special times with daughters. They’re never forgotten.