The syndrome resembling night terrors was observed in twelve boys within four months of their fathers' departures from the home. Three cases are presented to demonstrate developmental and other differences based on age and other factors among the children who presented essentially the same syndrome. The psychoanalytic implications are discussed, particularly the vulnerability of the little boy in this phase. He needs his father for the formation of a sense of self, the completion of separation-individuation, the consolidation of gender identity, and the modulation of libidinal and especially aggressive drives.