Dear Nikki,

I have only my own little study to cite.  My eldest was cared for by my late
husband during his second year, while I was in grad school and a teaching
assistant.  The boy became a National Merit Scholar and plays a darn good
game of chess -- which he started to do with his father at age 4.  He's also
a good shopper and cook -- which was his father's forte and a great boon to
our budget that year.  His father died when he was 6 years old.  More
important to me than his intelligence is the fact that our son has never
seemed to suffer the sense of unfinished business, of struggling to define
just what they had lost, that I've seen many people express who lost their
fathers at a young age.

Ruth Piatak
Plano, TX

Date:    Wed, 4 Aug 2004 15:28:49 -0500
From:    Nicole Simmons <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Stay at home dad letter

Hi all,

I have been asked to write a letter of reference for a stay at home dad.  I
am very happy to do it because this dad did everything he could in a
difficult situation to make sure that his child was breastfed.  Here are
some of the particulars:  Dad was the main caregiver but took child to mom's
work several times a day, sometimes staying the whole day.  (mom works in
food service and dad and baby were able to hang out in a corner.)

The letter I am writing is talking about how important it is for babies to
be breastfed and how important the bond is between a baby and its father.  I
am asking that the dad not be penalized for not assuming the traditional
working role.  And that what he has done for the past year HAS been
important work, that has given him valuable skills.  In addition I want to
mention that families that breastfeed has lower employee absenteeism.

I could use some help with some references that would support these ideas.
The job he is applying for is a researcher--so I think if I cite some
studies that will go a long way.   Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks!
Nikki Simmons

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