The role of the father in child development is discussed. Children's reactions to the death, separation, or divorce of their fathers are explored. Implications for diagnosis are stated along with specific recommendations for treatment. Crucial factors in diabnosis and treatment were concluded to be: the developmental stage of the child at the time of the loss, the reason for the father's absence, the state of the relationship with the father prior to the loss, the mother's reaction to the loss of her husband, and the environment provided for the child subsequent to the loss.