A Father’s Path: On Fathers and Sons, the Space in Between, and Beyond (A Collection of Essays, Ideas, and Reflections)

A Father’s Path looks at the unique relationship of fathers and sons through a developmental lens, offering valuable ideas to build, strengthen, understand, and mend relationships.

The Path offers an intergenerational view of son to father to son and suggests that the journey of fatherhood can be better understood across this wider span of time. Only then can a father see where he came from, how times have changed, and how these changes can influence the relationship for better or worse. And from this wider view, a father can look ahead, more hopeful, more capable, and more empathic in the role.

A Father’s Path not only looks at fathers and sons, but offers a view of the space in between. For here is where the quality of connection runs from devoted to devoid. Culturally, some of the greatest challenges we face in society are born in the first few years of the father-child relationship when he is not present or responsive. But the hope and power also exists in these precious first years--and beyond-- as research on father involvement has shown.

Starting with the author’s relationship with his father, Dr. Panepinto narrates his path from son to father. He offers how individuality, communication, and changing cultural norms influenced and challenged this foundational connection, and describes the continuum of common emotions felt in this space. And how the experience and reflection over time informed and transformed his views of fatherhood.

Throughout the book, Dr. Panepinto weaves reflections and ideas on fatherhood as well as important developmental principles. Drawing on his clinical experience in development, attachment, and parenting, he shares concepts and tools in an approachable way. Using forms from short stories to blog posts, from articles to journal entries, the full experience of fatherhood is offered meaningfully and poignantly--and sure to make you laugh as well.

A Father’s Path offers an intergenerational view of son to father to son unlike any other. The Path offers a view from above the journey sure to inspire and encourage you to reflect on the relationships you had or have with your father, your grandfather, your sons, and if you are in that stage, your grandsons. And, most importantly, sense in a new way, the power, importance, and influence of fatherhood.