In his book Daddy’s OK: Fathers’ stories of separation, divorce and rebuilding author Dean Mason takes us into the world of 14 families that have been through the trauma of separation and divorce. The 2006 Census showed that 50% of children in single parent families never have an overnight stay with the other parent, normally the Dad. But if our eyes glass over when contemplating the tens of thousands of Dads in this situation Dean brings it back to the individual personal level with these real life stories from his days as National Chairman of Dads in Distress Support Services.
Everyone knows someone in this situation, everyone can sympathise with Dean’s description of ‘Life Journey moments’, when someone calls out ‘Oh no!’, ‘What the hell?’ and ‘This is screwed!’
Divorce and separation are threatening the whole social structure, as shown when fatherlessness was blamed as one of the major causes of the riots in the UK, so Dean’s book has never been more timely.
Listen in to hear more about the issues. Find out, from someone who has been to the trenches and emerged as one of the OK Daddies, what can be done to improve the lives of those affected.
Dean shows us that you can get to the other side with a new meaningful life.
Dean Mason
Dean Mason experienced separation and divorce in the late 1990s. The impact on his life inspired him to seek real help for those who suffered the trauma associated with family breakdown. This led to him being elected National President for Dads in Distress Support Services in 2010. Dean now works as a Management Consultant in Melbourne.
Song selection by our guest: The Special Two by Missy Higgins