Jessica Reid English 385-4 Dr. Michelle Martin April 13, 2001 Critical Reflection # 3 Lindsay, Jeanne. Do I Have a Daddy? Buena Park, CA: Morning Glory Press, 2000. Tsujimoto, Aileen. "Where are the Mothers?" The Alan Review, Volume 25.1, (1997): 1-2. Do I Have a Daddy is an honest and sensitive story about the child of a single mother. While playing house, Erik is prompted by a questioning friend to ask his mother if he has a daddy. She tells him that he had a daddy in the beginning but that he left. She further explains that some parents get married and take care of their children together, but that she and Erik's father never married because they were so young. Erik's mother emphasizes how much she wanted him and how excited his daddy was when he was born. The story ends with the boy's mother reminding him of the important role his uncle and grandfather play in his life. The text is written in a positive and nurturing manner, and lets children know that there are many different types of family situations. An informative section for single parents on ways they can deal with this issue follows the story. In this day and age, many children are faced with the challenges of single parent families, and the book Do I Have a Daddy is a wonderful book for preschool age children to early school age children to cope with the situation better. The article by Tsujimoto, "Where are the Mothers" shows a relationship between children and their parents, not only fathers but mothers as well. It also stresses how important is to overcome the difficulties, and also how important it is to regain the ability to survive through difficult situations. Lindsay takes this idea to another level in the book Do I Have a Daddy. She emphasizes a tremendous question in a simple and relevant manner, which is easy for the preschool age child to understand. The use of big, bold words is easy and familiar to the young child who is just beginning to read. The illustrations are somewhat stiff and amateurish, but do an adequate job of visualizing the text for young children. Few topics are so difficult to discuss with children than the reality of a divorce, and yet more children face this problem than any other. Finding the right words to explain the changes in their world can never be easy, but the simple fact is the majority (over 50%) of children in the United States come from a family with at least one divorced parent. This book helps kids with absent, deceased, and unknown dads talk about and deal with this difficult situation. The story serves as a conversation starter and can be adapted to meet a child's specific needs. Parents learn the importance of being honest while allowing their children to retain a positive view of the absent parent. This book should have a place in libraries, counselors' offices, and social wor

If you are a single mom or dad raising your child alone this book will definitely be helpful for both of you.
It is my daughters favourite book for bed time reading. Written in such a simple manner it was easy for me to simultaniously translate and make it interesting in my language. It gave her a feeling that she is not the only kid living alone with mommy and gave her courage to ask more detailed questions while listening.

The sections for adults helped me more then all the other books written exclusively for single moms and dads.

If you are not certain, buy the book and will not regret it.

When his friend Jennifer taunts him with his not having a daddy, Erik goes to his mother and asks her why he doesn't have a father. Erik's mother explains the, like all children, Erik has a daddy but that she and his father never married. His father went away soon after Erik was born. But, she also tells him, "The important thing is I'm here for you." The presence of fatherless children is pervasive in our schools and communities. Do I Have A Daddy? is a sensitively portrayed story that young single parents and caregivers can use to help explain this critically important and emotionally laden issue with young boys and girls growing up with a never-married parent and the totally absent father. Do I Have A Daddy? is also available in hardcover.

The best thing about Lindsay's book is that she allows the pregnant woman to consider single parenting. It is so important for women considering adoption to explore ALL the alternatives, not just adoption. This book offers a well-rounded look at the options, without bias or hidden agenda. I wish I'd read it during my crisis pregnancy.

While waiting to be chosen by our son's birthparents, our social worker recommended this book. It is a deeply moving look into the birthparent's hearts as they make the difficult decision whether to choose parenting their baby or making an adoption plan. It's an excellent book for pre-adoptive parents looking to understand and respect the birthparent's point-of-views.

I thought that this book was very good. I loved the quotes from actual teen parents- I could really relate. The suggestions were very good. The only thing I didnt really like was that there wasn't enough focus on teen parents that were possitive.

I enjoyed Pregnant Too Soon: Adoption is an option because it came from the mothers themselves. Even though the book was about your option to choose adoption it wasn't 'coloring' your mind to just adoption. It spoke openly about the three options newly pregnant women face (keep, abort, adopt). Very touching stories from the mothers. Very insightful and helpful.