The Bottom Line
Live Away Dads: Staying a Part of Your Children's Lives when They Aren't a Part of Your Home is very informative and helpful for a dad who is separated from his children. It is easy to read and full of useful information and suggestions for live away dads.
Pros
- Written by a seasoned therapist
- Focuses on managing emotions
- Practical advice on working through the legalities
Cons
- Some readers will see his ideas as concessionary
Description
- The author has professional and personal experience with live away dads
- Focuses on meeting the dad's needs while he works through the family transition
- Gives solid and practical advice on strengthening relationships with the children and their mom
Guide Review - Live Away Dads
Author William Klatte has a practical approach to good fathering and good parenting in general. His recommendations are practical, direct and implementable. The book offers an important perspective to fathers who are not living with their children. I appreciate Klatte's perspective on first meeting the needs of the children involved. Sometimes it is hard to remember that our job as fathers is to protect our children, and they are the innocent victims of our failed marriages and need first priority.
This book is highly focused on the unique challenges of non-custodial fathers. The author shows how a dad's emotions--especially anger, depression, and feelings of lack of control--often predict their reactions to and relationships with former partners and others. With guidance on dealing with the courts, working out visitation, communicating with the children's mother, creating a child-friendly home, and much more, this book helps live-away dads through their toughest challenge -- that of living away from their children.
