The Power of Presence Lib/E: Be a Voice in Your Child's Ear Even When You're Not with Them

by Joy Thomas Moore (Reader)

As the mother of Wes Moore, whose memoir about overcoming the obstacles that face a fatherless young black man was a huge bestseller, Joy Thomas Moore is constantly asked: How did you do it? How can you be a good parent, have a career, and stay healthy when you don't have a partner to pick up the slack? How do you connect with a child when you can't always be there?

Her answer is presence. Specifically, seven different ways of being a force in a child's life, ensuring that they feel your influence. We can't always be physically there for our children, but the power of presence can help us to be a voice in the back of their minds that guides them through difficult times.

In The Power of Presence, Moore explores seven pillars of presence-heart, faith, mind, courage, financial freedom, values, and connectedness-that all parents can use to positively influence their children. Using compelling stories from women who have been there and practical advice on everything from savings accounts to mindfulness, this book is a compassionate look at what it takes to raise great kids even in less than ideal circumstances.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

Audio CD

Published September 18, 2018

Reviews

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Talked about the key factors of the importance of being involved in your child's life. I agree with the author in many ways and the info was good overall. I just found it long winded at times and it didn't keep my interest particularly well. I got about half way through before I decided to move on to something else.

[Janalee · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine. I read Two Wes Moores and this is written by his mother. Lots of stories of mothers who raise their children. Usually it goes like this: Single, struggling mother determined to give her children every advantage even if it means driving them hours to school each day and breaking her bacs working 3 jobs, expects the best from them. Inevitably, the child graduates from Harvard. Yet, I can't see this happening in my own family who have more advantages and opportunities, so what's the real trick here? You have to be at rock bottom? I'm disillusioned.

[Yoric · Rating 3 out of 5]

A single mother about parenting her three kids.
Presence is key. Children crave for attention. With today technology they complain their parents check their device too often, and they feel unimportant as a consequence.

"Connectedness means that your voice will ring in your children’s ears even when you’re not physically in front of them."

"We arm our kids with boots and umbrellas when it’s raining, or sunscreen when they’re exposed to the sun. A bag full of social and spiritual tools, like humility, empathy, kindness, high expectations, thankfulness, and faith in something bigger than themselves, is just as important to their well-being."

Every time I read about parenting, I want to hug my kid more. It's like stepping back, and realizing how precious, and how impactful it is.

[Taneka McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Power of Presence: True Finding value in single parent's world. The Author writes riveting stories that strike the heart of anyone struggling through solo parenting.

As a therapist, the insights were especially meaningful; that family structures outside the norm are not burdensome. But the book instead illuminates the resilience and strength of single-parent families, and reminds us that two-parent homes aren’t automatically better.

The story encourages you to take your own path, and shows the power of community support. This inspires message appreciates single parents and highlights that love and presence are what defines a family, no matter how it is formed.

In short, The Power of Presence is a transformational resource for single parents and those who care about human connections and how they can imprint on us.

[Sharon Heaverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I must declare that I won this book in a Goodreads/First Reads giveaway. In return, I agree to read and review each book.

Are you a single parent? a working mom? and wonder how you are ever going to raise healthy, happy, successful children? If so, this is the book for you.

Joy Thomas Moore has written a very thorough book on how she managed to do just that as she introduces and explains her Seven Pillars of Presence. The Power of Presence should be on every parent's reading list.

[Denise Shereff · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were a few good points in this book, but it was hard to find them in all the noise. I found the rambling very difficult to plod through. I started on the print book and switched to audio. It didn’t help.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the inspirational stories about other parents & families, but would have enjoyed more from the point of view of some kids - what they remember of their parents' advice/teaching, & why they remember it.

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this was going to be about how to be an emotionally present parent, but it's really about how to believe in yourself as a single mom.

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were a lot of great nuggets that I took away from this book, though I wish I had read a physical copy so I could make notes in the margins.