The aim of this study is to show the trends and direction of the changes that have occurred in the image of the father, as presented in handbooks for parents in the years 1918–1970. Gradual modifications occurred both in the scope of the duties assigned to father and in his image as promoted in pedagogic literature. In the years 1918–1970 hundreds of guidebooks for parents were published; almost two hundred of them were issued in the Second Polish Republic period. The authors of the interwar guides were both Polish and Western European specialists; secular and associated with the Catholic Church. After 1948, religious books and translations of English, German or French books ceased to appear; reception of Soviet pedagogy has resulted in numerous translations of Soviet books for parents. Literature for parents covered a wide range of subjects referring to all phases and aspects of child’s life. Questions related to preparation for parenthood, care of newborn and infant, upbringing of the child, cooperation between school and family, choice of profession and many others were discussed. Polish guidebooks for parents contain a number of comments relating to the functioning of the family as a whole family model that was considered desirable, as well as the role and tasks assigned its individual members, apart from guidelines and warnings related to care and upbringing. Authors of guidebooks presented both qualities that make up the image of a good father and examples of negative paternal attitudes or behaviour. The range of tasks assigned to fathers allows to discovery that some duties related with upbringing were destined only for women.