Feeling Like Your Father is Your Enemy

  The relationship between a father and his children can often be extremely complex. While the relationship with the mother is sometimes conflictive and difficult, in most cases there’s a component of unconditional love. It’s instinctive and natural. However, the relationship with the father is far more ambivalent. In fact, he can be both a protective and threatening figure. Indeed, in traditional families, he’s usually the one that has the last word. However, in the new forms of family, the father might be conspicuous by his absence. Alternatively, he may be the mother’s rival. In a few cases, he may…