Lelach Rave, MD, FAAP
I am going to do something a little different with Reflections this month. In May, I used Mother’s Day as my jumping off point, so it seems natural to talk about Fathers this month. All too often in pediatrics we default to talking with and interacting with mothers. The fathers in our patients’ lives face unique challenges and require specific supports.
A friend introduced me to a book that influenced my thinking about fathers – “Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do About It” by Richard Reeves. She then introduced me to the author. Both experiences influenced my thinking profoundly. I am sharing my friend’s piece, recently published in the Puget Sound Business Journal, hoping it might inspire you to pick up the book and strongly consider how you collaborate with and champion the fathers and boys in your practice.
Of course, June is also Pride Month and includes Juneteenth and World Refugee Day – Alice’s message about blind spots can be applied to all of these observances that celebrate diversity.