‘The Best Interest of the Child:
An In-Depth Dialogue with Dr Warren Farrell’

DVD review by Donald Pettitt

This two DVD set had many “A-Ha!” moments for me, even as a weekend dad.

Dr Warren Farrell is a well known American academic. He has looked through the available research to bring us a few simple messages.

I’d summarize those messages as;

• Kids need the input of both of their biological parents
• Kids need frequent access to both parents especially when there is conflict on separation
• Fathers bring a different quality to the parenting role that is critical in the development of the child and often downplayed.

Despite agreeing with those messages myself, at first I wanted to hit the eject button. It is set in the format of two wooden academics asking Dr. Farrell prescribed questions. As I watched more and more I was drawn into what he had to say.

I was particularly gripped when the interview lurched from its wooden format as the female interviewer gained insight into her own experience as a child. She had limited access to her father. I was moved to see her grasp that her constant need for approval by a father was predictable given her upbringing. She confessed that she had been hobbled by the need for this approval.

In the second disk another lurch happened as she realised that her care as a solo mother of twins, though done with the best intentions, lacked a critical masculine quality, that of boundary enforcement.

This DVD would be a good resource for parenting centers for both men and women.

NB This DVD is not available in NZ,. Go to www.bestinterestofchildren.org.
$US 39.95 – Father & Child Trust (Chch) has a copy for viewing , by arrangement.