In this episode, Caroline Goldman explores the importance of the father in the psychological development of children and outlines its various essential functions.

At the very beginning of life, the father is the mother's privileged support (allowing her to, in turn, to support their baby). He then becomes the first 'separating third' in the mother/baby duo, protecting them from the risk of 'fusion.' He introduces the child to the social outside and registers them with his last name, motor stimulations, and signals of confidence regarding the fact that the world awaits them! He is the privileged actor in establishing the educational boundaries for the growing child, but also the main driver of their empowerment, their access to 'symbolization' (through words), and their masculine identifications.

This podcast also questions the current role of fathers, highlights the determining role of mothers in weaving the father/child bond, and offers some ideas to replace these structuring functions in their absence, discussing various contemporary family configurations.

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