[Cathryn Crawford]

I respect your views; they sound as though they are well thought out and you certianly have the experience you need to tell me these things.

I'm sorry about your baby.

I suppose because I had a great relationship with my father I see this differently. I get tired of seeing fathers treated nominally; as though they are second class citizens instead of the vital link in the chain of family.

I still think that maternity and paternity leave should be equal. The first few days and weeks of life are essential for bonding. The father should be there to take part in that special time.

[Tax-chick]

The father should be there to take part in that special time

The father should be there to take part in every special time of his children's lives! (I have a good relationship with my father, too - it's his farm I'm going to, at our NEXT career move:-) - just not as much as I wish I could have.)

What really diminishes men's importance is to say that if they're home for a few weeks, and an occasional ballgame, they've "fathered." I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir here - children need as much of their fathers' time and effort as possible, not the minimum corporate American defines as "equal with women."

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

I suppose because I had a great relationship with my father I see this differently.

This must be our common denominator, Cathryn. I had a great relationship with my dad, too; some of the most valuable things I've learned in life, I learned from him.