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Fathers Are Forever: A Co-Parenting Guide for the 21st Century
by Eric Aronson
Paperback: 180 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.50 x 8.25 x 5.50
Publisher: Divorced Fathers Network; (January 2001)
ISBN: 1556308582
In-Print Editions: Audio CD | All EditionsAccording to the U.S. Census Bureau, six out of 10 marriages will end in divorce. As men fight against the traditional "every other weekend" visitation schedule, they are learning to establish cooperative relationships with their spouses and are spending more and more time with their children. In his book, Fathers are Forever (Divorced Father's Network, 2001, ISBN #1-55630-858-2, $19.95), Steven Ashley, founder of the Divorced Father's Network, serves as a champion to divorced dads by offering advice and guidance on how to maintain positive relationships with both children and exes, and to ensure that fathers are getting to spend enough time with their children.
Securing a sound relationship with one's partner and, more importantly, a supportive parental role, is the foundation of Fathers are Forever. From explaining the process of divorce to a child to the checklist one should make before negotiating custody with a former spouse, Ashley equips fathers with valuable tips to create a supportive environment for their children. His advice is based on reflections of his own childhood growing up without a father and his success in raising his daughter, Stephany, as co-parent with his former mate.
Ashley is the son of divorced parents who realized the importance of a father's guidance after his own father's suicide at age 14. Following his split with Stephany's mother, Ashley contemplated suicide himself, but after acknowledging Stephany's need for a paternal influence, he vowed to provide a supportive environment for her. In Father's Are Forever, Ashley emphasizes that divorce does not have to be a painful or damaging process for children.
"As a recently divorced dad struggling for a way to deal with the court system and my relationship with my eight-year-old daughter, I found Fathers are Forever to be invaluable," says Dr. Derrick Clark, Ph.D. of Santa Cruz. "This book is truly a how-to guide for fathers who want to retain a strong relationship with their children while rebuilding their lives."
Ashley has spoken with hundreds of men about divorce and parenting. Many expressed feelings of anger and their need for support, which gave birth to the Divorced Father's Network. This network emphasizes active parenting through support groups and parenting workshops. DFN hosts a six-week long co-parenting workshop with courses on father-to-child communication and spouse cooperation. It also provides education to those interested in forming a network in their own communities.
Editorial Reviews
Santa Cruz Sentinel, December 3, 2001 "Ashley's book, Fathers Are Forever, offers practical information on what fathers can expect from the divorce process."Timothy F. Ashby from Los Angeles, CA, USA As a recently divorced dad struggling with the court system, I found Fathers Are Forever to be invaluable. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.
Derrick J. Clark, Ph.D. from Santa Cruz, CA United States In Fathers Are Forever, author Steve Ashley is a relentless advocate for co-parenting and the importance of fathers. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.
Book Description
Fathers Are Forever is a must read for all divorced dads who want to remain involved parents. The saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure applies here. Reading Fathers Are Forever means kids keep their fathers. Every father needs to read this book.Fathers Are Forever is a handy, 180-page how-to book which draws on actual experiences of men and women seeking to create and sustain co-parenting relationships. The book walks parents through the divorce process from beginning to end. It moves Mom and Dad from adversaries to co-operative parents in spite of the fact that they live in two separate homes.
About the Author
Founder of the Divorced Fathers Network (DFN) in Santa Cruz, California, Steven Ashley has assisted hundreds of men and women in creating cooperative relationships with their former spouses. Steven speaks on behalf of fathers and their important contributions as co-parents. He is often a featured guest on radio shows and is frequently mentioned in the media.
