This study examines the effect of paternal availability on the son's development. It was hypothesized that the son of the more available father would have better problem-solving ability and a more masculine orientation than the son of the less available father. The subjects were 30 four-five year olds and their parents. A questionnaire was given to the parents, and each child was individually tested on three problem-solving tests. The families were divided into a high father-available group (N=16) and a low father-available group (N=14). Study findings suggest that high paternal availability is positively associated with the son's problem- solving ability, while maternal availability influences this relationship and the child's development. (Author/JLL)