Reflections on Fathers and Fatherhood with Professor Oliver Williams

As a Social Work professor, Oliver Williams has devoted his career to helping men find the strength, compassion and self-control to treat their partners and children kindly and respectfully. With a special focus on African American men, Oliver works with local communities and national and international organizations to reduce domestic violence and support positive fathering.   In this warm and thoughtful conversation with Marti & Erin, Oliver draws on his work and, even more, his personal experience with his father (who died when Oliver was 16), the older brother who became a father figure to him, and son Samuel, who, for 26 years, has been the light of Oliver’s eye (and mom Sonia’s). We thank Oliver for helping us remember and celebrate the fathers in our lives!   WHAT STANDS OUT TO YOU WHEN YOU THINK OF FATHERS? What are some of your strongest childhood memories of your father (or a father figure if you didn’t grow up with your father)? How do you think your children will answer that question when they are older?   WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FATHER'S & FATHERHOOD? ❉ DADS MATTER: THE ROLE OF THE FATHER IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND WHAT MOMS CAN DO TO HELP DADS SUCCEED. Andre Dukes of the Northside Achievement Zone in Minneapolis, joins Marti & Erin to discuss the role of the father in child development, the benefits of father involvement throughout a child’s life, and what we all can do to help men be the dads their children need.     ❉ BETWEEN FATHERS AND DAUGHTERS: A CONVERSATION WITH AUTHOR AND RESEARCHER DR. LINDA NIELSEN. A wealth of research highlights the importance of fathers to the development of both sons and daughters. Yet many women say they don’t really know their fathers very well and/or they often feel criticized by their fathers. In situations of divorce or separation, these issues often are even more pronounced. But, as Linda Nielsen knows from her research on the relationship of fathers and daughters, there are steps adult daughters can take to put their relationship with their fathers on a more positive path. And, dads, whether your daughter is a toddler, teen or adult, you can build a closer more supportive relationship with her. However the father-daughter relationships play out in your family, you will find this Mom Enough discussion insightful and encouraging!