Fathers: Our topic in February

At the centre of the family: how men are breaking with old patterns to fulfil new wishes and expectations.

Editor-in-chief Nik Niethammer introduces you to the«Fathers» focus and other topics in the February issue in our cover film. The new magazine will be published on Wednesday, 3 February 2021 and can also be ordered online.

Editor-in-chief Nik Niethammer talks to Florina Schwander via Zoom about what readers can expect from the "Fathers" dossier and what he looks out for as a father when dealing with his daughter and son.

Dear reader
This text begins with a compliment. To you, dear men, fathers, grandfathers, uncles, godfathers. The fact that you, dear male parenting enthusiasts, have read this far characterises you. You are one of the 30 per cent of men who regularly read our parenting guide. Parental education is important to you. And the well-being of your family. You know about the importance of bonding and resilience, you have internalised the phrase: «Good fathers comfort, play, help, read aloud - good fathers care.»
They are interested in and involved with their children whenever possible. You spend more time with them than perhaps your own father did with you many years ago. At the weekend, in the evening, on holiday, on the day you are at home. You can recite the names of your son's three best friends half asleep. You know which day he has PE lessons and what his maths teacher's name is. At the last parents' evening, you naturally volunteered for an office. And your daughter said: «Many people don't believe in heroes. They haven't met my father yet.»
Oh yes: And you live a modern, equal relationship, pull together with your partner, work part-time, take on 50 per cent of the household and childcare tasks, explain the Pythagorean theorem to your eldest. And if your partner is sometimes a strict disciplinarian, allowing you little autonomy in everyday family life - then smile generously about it, give your «gatekeeper» a big hug and remember the saying: «The power of a father in the life of a child is unrivalled.»

«My father didn't tell me how to live. He lived, and I was allowed to watch him do it.»

Clarence Budington Kelland (1881-1964),
US-American writer and journalist

Well, and if you, dear men, dear fathers, are now thinking: «Uiuiui, there's still room for improvement», do the following: Grab this magazine (before your partner does), retreat to a quiet place and ... read it! For example, what it does to fathers who break with old patterns and are not content to play a spectator role in their children's lives. You'll be amazed! Focus on dads - read all the articles in the «Fathers» online dossier here.

Vaccination polarises more than almost any other topic. In times like these, the country seems divided. Vaccination sceptics are circulating rumours that defy description. Those in favour of vaccination demand special rights for vaccinated people and equate vaccination with a civic duty. Even if many parents are not yet asking themselves whether they want to have their child vaccinated against Covid-19 - the vaccine is only authorised for young people aged 16 and over - we would like to make a contribution to raising awareness today. Our science writer Claudia Füssler asked the head physician and infectiologist Philip Tarr from Basel for his opinion and asked him: What reservations do parents have when it comes to vaccinating their children? And how justified are they? I heartily recommend the interview.
May you, despite the stressful times, always find some time to reflect.
Stay cheerful, stay confident.
Sincerely,
Your Nik Niethammer