The Power of Showing Up

July 15, 2019
In this encouraging and empowering book, psychiatrist Siegel (Aware) and clinical social worker Bryson provide steps for parents and caregivers to help children attain success and “feel at home in the world.” The single most important thing parents can do, the authors write, is to simply be present, both physically and emotionally. Based on “attachment science” and “interpersonal neurobiology,” Siegel and Payne reveal that the parent-child relationship will “literally mold the physical structure of” a child’s brain, greatly influencing the rest of his or her life. Readers will learn about “predictable care” through the “Four S’s”—helping children feel safe, seen, soothed, and secure—with a separate section devoted to each “S.” The authors repeatedly provide encouragement to parents who may not have experienced secure attachment behavior in their own childhoods, and provide questions in each section to help parents understand their own experiences and therefore the formative influences on their parenting style. Thanks to this excellent work, Siegel and Payne will leave readers with an empathetic and helpful philosophy to apply to their own parenting.

Starred review from August 1, 2019

Best-selling authors Siegel and Bryson are well known for their work on attachment theory (The Whole-Brain Child, No-Drama Discipline; The Yes Brain). Here, they attempt to answer the question: What's the single most important thing I can do for my kids to help them succeed and feel at home in the world? The response is a resounding, show up for your kids. For Siegel and Bryson, this is translated as helping a child to feel the four Ss: safe, seen, soothed, and secure. They dedicate this book to parents who obsess that they need to do and be better (they offer a message of consolation to the constant "should"-sayers), those with a child in crisis, overwhelmed expecting parents, and, finally, the growing population of parents becoming less present in their children's lives owing to long work hours, demands, and an excessive amount of time spent using technology. The authors also address childhood-attachment patterns, as well as share possible scripts for parent/child interactions and steps to help children learn how to cope during tough times. VERDICT A fitting volume that expands on the authors' previous work, filled with cartoons and straightforward strategies that will appeal to their fans as well as a wide range of general readers.

Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from November 1, 2019

Best-selling authors Siegel and Bryson are well known for their work on attachment theory (The Whole-Brain Child; No-Drama Discipline; The Yes Brain). Here, they attempt to answer the question: What's the single most important thing I can do for my kids to help them succeed and feel at home in the world? The response is a resounding, show up for your kids. For Siegel and Bryson, this is translated as helping a child to feel the four S's: safe, seen, soothed, and secure. They dedicate this book to parents who obsess that they need to do and be better (they offer a message of consolation to the constant "should"-sayers), those with a child in crisis, overwhelmed expecting parents, and, finally, the growing population of parents becoming less present in their children's lives owing to long work hours, demands, and an excessive amount of time spent using technology. The authors also address childhood-attachment patterns, as well as share possible scripts for parent/child interactions and steps to help children learn how to cope during tough times. VERDICT A fitting volume that expands on the authors' previous work, filled with cartoons and straightforward strategies that will appeal to their fans as well as a wide range of general readers.-Julia M. Reffner, Richmond

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2019
Siegel and Bryson (The Whole-Brain Child, 2015) successfully coauthor another parenting title, this time investigating how parental presence effects a child's brain development. Using their Four S method, they describe how a reliable parental presence in a child's life leads to the child feeling "Safe, Seen, Soothed and Secure." The Fours S's create an environment of secure attachment that is absolutely key to optimal healthy development. As in their previous books, the new title relies upon scientific study to support its conclusions, and readers who prefer less anecdotal evidence and more rigorous analysis will be most impressed. Siegel and Bryson provide relatable real world examples and the all-important parenting guide staple, the offering of specific advice for handling various situations, is abundant. The authors are serious and cogent, and lists, talking points, and illustrations drive home certain points and provide helpful scenarios. Parents looking for solid research delivered in an accessible manner will find Siegel and Bryson getting the job done well yet again.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)