More than is emphasized in the literature, we should attend to the quiet, contented times of infancy and childhood. Among the observations that can then enhance our theories of early development are those of the nontraumatic, nondramatic, necessary role that fathers play directly with their children, not just indirectly by influencing mothers. To enhance that perspective of the ordinary, this paper notes the damage done to boys whose fathers' influence was too faint. Families are described of boys who suffered the presence of fathers unwilling/unable to function properly as fathers. Although this was only one factor in the final pathologic result, all the boys became markedly feminine.