Not all separated fathers buy noisy toys : LETTERS

WHILE welcoming discussion of independent parenthood ("Fighting for their affection", Sunday Review, 29 January), I was disappointed that the populist shaman of the "non-resident" male was the chosen example throughout. Perhaps if the main phantoms of "single parenthood" were not invoked so carelessly, there might be more recognition that there are many independent parents working together at bringing up their children.

Sophie Radice's article will, I hope, be helpful to any parent or child dealing with the assaults of materialistic warfare. However, I fear that these positives may be undermined by her lack of overall context, and by the example employed, which serves to reinforce the traditional images of post-separation parenthood.

Julian Clark Angmering, W Sussex