Includes bibliographical references (pages 177-198) and index.

"Whether you know it or not, if you're a dad, you're a hero, that's the message of best-selling author and pediatrician Meg Meeker. Even if you're struggling with all the demands of fatherhood, let Dr. Meeker reassure you: every man has it within him to be the hero-father his children need. With simple step-by-step instructions and drawing on long experience--including her work with the NFL's Fatherhood Initiative--Dr. Meeker shows you how to be the father you want to be and your children need you to be. Discover why fathers are even more important to their children than their mothers are; why your children want you to be their hero--even if their relationship with you has been strained or distant; and secrets that can help divorced dads, widowed dads, and stepfathers maintain--or rebuild--a strong relationship with their children. As Dr. Meeker writes, "If you want what is best for your children--if you want what is best for you--you should strive to be a hero father. In this book, I hope to show you how."--Amazon.com.