Fatherhood USA

"There are no perfect fathers" a counselor flatly states to his male class. Fathering skills are not inherited; they must be learned. Hosted by former Senator Bill Bradley, the first video in this 2-tape set shows men overcoming backgrounds of poverty, abuse, even incarceration to become loving and supportive dads. It's not an easy process. "We buried ourselves when we had five kids" says a young man struggling to keep his family together while working a minimum wage job. With the intervention of social agencies and support groups, the video suggests that many men can rise above the image of deadbeat dads to become a positive force in their children's lives. The second video shows men juggling demands of family life and work, illustrating the dilemma of a father coping with his daughter's unexpected illness, showing how it creates a strained relationship with his wife and coworkers. Another man suffers a heart attack, then loses his job to downsizing. While recovering, he must act as "Mr. Mom," while he handles the demands of two children and copes with the temporary loss of his breadwinning role. A third man faces a marital crisis when his rotating work shift schedule leaves him feeling like a stranger to his wife and kids. Fatherhood U.S.A. is a timely program which says men can overcome cultural stereotypes to become nurturing, integral members of the family unit. Filled with realistic situations, it can be an outstanding learning tool for support and discussion groups. Highly recommended. Note: This set is also being sold to individuals for $74.95. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees)