Parenting with Presence

May 4, 2015
Stiffelman (Parenting Without Power Struggles) turns to universal parenting concerns, with the premise that "being present means making contact with life as it is, right now. It means choosing to be here, even if âhere' isn't quite what you'd pictured," She addresses parents with an interest in pursuing personal growth as well as anyone with a difficult child. While there's not a lot of groundbreaking material here, Stiffelman recognizes the challenges of parenting, and her solid advice bears repeating. For example, accept the real child rather than the "snapshot child" one imagined; own one's feelings, so as to avoid coming at children with underlying demands or fears; and remember that a child's mood isn't a personal attack. The author addresses real life questions at the end of each chapter, and devotes the final chapter to "Tips and Tricks," a cornucopia of simple practices. Throughout, she draws on personal experience as well as examples from her clinical practice. Overall, the book is engaging, easy to read, and well-organized. Eckhart Tolle contributes a foreword to this inaugural title in the house's new Eckhart Tolle Editions imprint. Agent: Barbara Moulton, Moulton Agency.