The Power of Showing Up

One of the very best scientific predictors for how any child turns out–in terms of happiness, academic success, leadership skills, and meaningful relationships–is whether at least one adult in their life has consistently shown up for them. In an age of scheduling demands and digital distractions, this might sound like a tall order. But as bestselling authors Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson reassuringly explain, showing up doesn’t take a lot of time, energy, or money. Instead, showing up means offering a quality of presence. And it’s simple to provide once you understand the four building blocks of a child’s healthy development. Every child needs to feel what Siegel and Bryson call the Four S’s: Safe, Seen, Soothed, and Secure. Based on the latest brain and attachment research, The Power of Showing Up shares stories, scripts, simple strategies, illustrations and tips for honoring the Four S’s effectively in all kinds of situations–when our kids are struggling or when they are enjoying success; when we are consoling, disciplining, or arguing with them; and even when we are apologizing for the times we don’t show up for them. Demonstrating that mistakes and missteps are reparable and that it’s never too late to mend broken trust, this is a powerful guide to cultivating your child’s healthy emotional landscape.