Dads and Children
Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 10:30AM 
With special guests:
- Ken Thompson and
- David Vernon.
Our first guest today is a Dad who has personal experience of what has become a type of epidemic in our community, namely the international abduction of children by a parent (IPCA). Ken Thompson was able to find his son Andrew and return to Australia after a three year search.
For many parents, particularly when the abducting parent goes to a non-Hague convention country there is unlikely to be any reunion.
It is estimated that at least 300 Australian children are abducted in this way every year which is an enormous toll on the community, the parents and the abducted children.
Ken brings us up to date with what is happening to help combat this practice which although being a criminal offence in the US and the UK does not appear in the Australian criminal law.
Ken gives some practical advice on what vulnerable parents should do to protect their children and also focuses attention on the upcoming Senate Inquiry.
Our second guest is David Vernon a Canberra based author who is the editor of Men at Birth. A second edition of this book was released in May 2011 and David came onto DADS ON THE AIR to discuss what he found after hearing about the birthing experiences of 23 men.
Compared to earlier generations, David Vernon believes men’s attitudes have changed:
More than ever before:
* Many men now want to be part of that moment when the baby is born – to be with their partner, sharing the creation of their new family.
* More men are attending ante-natal classes with their partner. They plan to attend the birth and are motivated to know what to expect.
* Men are usually surprised by the reality of birth – and how tough and intense it can be for their partner.
* Men realise that they do have a real role in supporting their partner – and that she is often relying on them for them to help if there is a crisis or tough decisions need to be made.
* Men are keen to know more about birth — not just the mechanics but how they can do ‘their bit’ to bring a new life into the world.
David tells us
‘It is my hope that men who read Men at Birth, by becoming familiar with birth, will be able to let go of any excessive anxiety they may have about their upcoming experience. By becoming familiar with birth they will be better prepared.’