[Restorer]

Doesn't mention the most obvious reason a father is important.

When a boy reaches about 15 it is highly educational for him to be knocked clear across the room for lipping off to his mom.

I know it was for me.

[GrandEagle]

to be knocked clear across the room ...
In this "politically correct, touchy, feeley world people underestimate the value of a good old fashioned butt kickin'

Cordially,
GE

[Diana in Wisconsin]

"When a boy reaches about 15 it is highly educational for him to be knocked clear across the room for lipping off to his mom."

Most execellent "fathering" there, LOL! Our son will be 18 next month, and we've had a few of those moments when he was 15 & 16. I especially loved his, "You're not my Mother!" crack when I was hassling him about the losers he was hanging out with. (I'm his StepMom, but adopted him when he was four. Bio-Mom is in the picture to some extent.)

I told him I was greatly RELIEVED that I wasn't his Mother, and from here on out I wasn't going to bother to feed, clothe or shelter him. I got a nice 'Letter of Appology' within a week. I'm framing it, and presenting it to him when he becomes a Father. (Another DECADE from now, please!)