Father absence and measures of sex role attitudes in children have been examined in previous research. To investigate whether father presence is more likely to be positively related to instrumentality in both boys and girls, children and their parents completed questionnaires. Boys scored higher than girls on the instrumentality measures. Children living with the mother scored significantly lower on instrumentality than children living with the father or with both parents. No such results were apparent when analyzed in terms of whether the child had ever experienced father absence. Girls' instrumentality had a greater relationship to father presence and time spent with the father. Results suggest that all children, but especially father-absent children and girls in particular, would benefit from contact with an adult male, such as male elementary teachers, Big Brother programs for girls, and family friendships with adult males. In particular, fathers should be encouraged to spend time with their children. (JAC)