The Dad Difference

This useful educational DVD tackles an often marginalized but nevertheless serious topic with an attention to detail that makes it an important consideration for all parenting collections. News reports and statistics leave no doubt that fathers make a difference in their children's lives, and the encouraging and instructive The Dad Difference shows how, through footage of families from a variety of racial, social, cultural, and economic backgrounds in their home environments with new fathers engaging in play, expressing love, administering discipline, and discussing fears and joys in candid one-on-one interviews. This effective approach is enhanced by animated graphics and practical informational nuggets in the form of “Father Facts” (for example, children with involved fathers are twice as likely to enter college and less likely to spend time in jail); or “Dad to Dad Advice,” in which dads talk directly to the viewer about what they've learned on their journey toward parenthood. Part one, "Baby Basics," covers pregnancy and labor through birth and general baby care, and includes helpful information on topics such as helping moms with postpartum depression, anticipating and managing finances, and bonding with babies. Part two, "Involved From the Start," looks at such concepts as connecting and relating to children, balancing work and family time, using positive discipline, and adjusting to single fatherhood. Within these subtopics, dads will gain much valuable knowledge, ranging from how to set limits and cope with discipline for children at different ages, to why it's important to read to infants. The program also refuses to shy away from stickier topics such as the effects of anger, sarcasm, or an acrimonious divorce on children's self-esteem, or a dad's potential need to resolve his relationship conflicts with his own father. A booklet with checklists and discussion questions is also included. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (A. Cantú)