Your preview of the A Man's Place conference included mention of shared parenting when families split up (Manpower is needed to bridge childcare's gender gap, News, November 18).

While Families Need Fathers Scotland is supporting the introduction of a shared parenting clause in the Children (Scotland) Act, this does not imply that all shared care has to involve a 50:50 time split between parents.

Some families achieve this, but it is far more important to achieve parity in decision-making and influence, so children benefit from parents putting aside differences. Fathers who take an interest in children's health and education should be welcomed in schools and hospitals, not treated with suspicion.

Ian Maxwell

National Development Manager

Families Need Fathers Scotland