Many Dads Are Choosing a Different Kind of Fatherhood

Father's Day is this Sunday, and across the nation, sons and daughters are buying ties, tools and toys for their Dads. For a look at how fathers are perceived today – and what they might really want – WFDD's Audrey Fannin spoke with Andrew Smiler, author of “Challenging Casanova,” a book dispelling many stereotypes masculinity, and visiting professor of psychology at Wake Forest University. He's the proud father of a 3-year old daughter.

Smiler says there are currently two competing stereotypes of Dads in popular culture - there's still the 'Father Knows Best' kind of Dad, but there's also the bumbling Homer Simpson kind of Dad. He says the latter sets an awfully low bar, and younger fathers today are crafting a new form of fatherhood, one that's more engaged and emotionally available to their children.

In our discussion, he also made a few suggestions about selecting a gift for Father's Day.