We’ve talked a few times on this blog about how men’s sperm quality decreases with age–and their chances of fathering a child with schizophrenia and some genetic defects–increases (the risk is still extremely low, but it is elevated in older men). But there may be hope. According to Andrew J. Wyrobek, who lead a team...Continue reading
Category: Parenting
Parental Divorce Linked to Stroke in Males
Men with divorced parents are significantly more likely to suffer a stroke than men from intact families, shows a new study from the University of Toronto. The study, to be published this month in the International Journal of Stroke, shows that adult men who had experienced parental divorce before they turned 18 are three times...Continue reading
Weed Whacking: Smoking Dope May Increase Testicular Cancer Risk
Dudes, if you want to keep what’s in your pants from going up in smoke, think twice before sparking up a joint. Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer in males ages 15-45. And the rates are on the rise. But if you’ve ever smoked marijuana, you’ve got more than double the risk...Continue reading
Men Have Biological Clocks, Too–and They Tick Just as Loudly
Children conceived by women over 35 are known to have and increased risk of being born with Down syndrome and a variety of other birth defects. But a brand new study just revealed that the father’s age is important too. Children of older fathers are at increased risk of developing autism and schizophrenia.
Divorced Fathers: Shared Residential Sustody – An Increasingly Popular Choice
For those divorced fathers who are currently in the process of creating or re-negotiating your parenting plans (“visitation” schedule) for your children, consider the benefits of shared residential custody. By this, I mean having your children live with you 35%-50% of the time. Many states have revised or are in the process of revising their...Continue reading
Teens at risk–and the adults who aren’t paying enough attention
72% of all deaths among young people aged 10–24 years were caused by one of four causes: car crashes (26%), other unintentional injuries (17%), homicide (16%), and suicide (13%). And hundreds of thousands of teens are affected by non-fatal but life-disrupting conditions such as sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and teen pregnancy. The big problem is...
Kids Versus The New Relationship
One of the greatest challenges for fathers who have switched from “husband” to “single dad” is figuring out the tricky mix of new love interest — or sometimes just new intimate partner — and your children. I’ve experienced the gamut myself as a single dad for almost five years, and I have my own rules...Continue reading
Coffee with Sam: Dana Holmes, professional gift guru, on buying the perfect gift for the women in your life
I recently had the opportunity to have a virtual cup of coffee and chat with Dana Holmes, professional gift guru and hero of many lost givers. What to do when you need that special something, but you just can figure out what that something IS? We’ve all been there. Dana, help us out! Samantha Feuss—You...Continue reading
For the skeptics: The research on dads’ influence on girls’ puberty
Several people took issue (some in an unfortunately hostile way) with my post that mentioned research showing that girls with involved biological fathers start puberty later than those with a non-biological father or no father at all. So to satisfy the critics, here are several citations that should satisfy your inner (and not-so-inner) skeptic.
For Girls, Puberty at Age 6? That’s One of the Best Reasons to Be an Involved Dad
More and more girls are starting puberty early. Some as early as six! If you’ve got daughters–and I’ve got three of ’em–there are a few things you really, really need to know. Let’s start with the good news, some of which I’ve written about extensively. Girls who have actively involved dads start puberty later than...Continue reading