>
>what is a man's purpose in
>being around the child if
>he can't do anything but
>provide sperm, emotional and financial
>support?
>
Support comes in many different forms...financial is just one...Men can also provide emotional suppport. Men are responsible for teaching young boys how to be men (providers, protectors, fair and respectful leaders)...and to teach young girls how to respect themselves and what to expect from a man in her life. (as a young girl growing up without a father around, I can't stress enough how important this lesson is!), not to mention protect her from the sex-crazed young men that come a courtin'

>and once that is answered, what
>values do the children gather
>from women/mothers/female figures that they
>don't get from fathers/males/male figures?
>
women provide warmth and compassion...I've always found it easier to go cry on the shoulder of my mother than my grandfather (the male in my life.
>

hep