摘要：Despite the importance of D.W. Winnicott’s thinking, which has been able to renew psychoanalysis, it is recognized that his theory tackles ‘family’ in a way to not exceed conservative limits that, in his time, rigidly demarcated the functions of mothers and fathers. However, in present clinic, we are faced with different contemporary models of family, fact that demands an ethically inspired reflection. This paper tackles the issue of new family organizations, as well as variations of established functions between women and men. This invokes the topic of mothering, which seems to have origins in the human potential to concern for others – which, in turn, is not a prerogative of females. Thus, this paper invites to the debate about the ability of paternal devotion through the whole child development, including precocious stages, and makes ethical questions in the face of contemporary families’ needs.
