The Power of Presence is a training manual for those looking to improve life, but not merely the life of an individual but those that depend on an individual; the focus of the training is on parents, specifically single mothers. Joy Thomas Moore addresses the need and want of most good parents — to better their children’s lives. She initiates the training by valuing the “pride,” the supportive network that parents have around them. Throughout the text, Moore makes parents aware that they are not alone even if they think they are; she identifies support in uncommon, ignored and overlooked relationships. She warns against emotions clouding a parent’s judgment when looking for and accepting needed support.

Moore’s training unapologetically necessitates a need for introspection; good parents (both men and women) must work on their thinking: past mistakes must be identified as errors, toxic non-helpful relationships should be identified and avoided, a child’s need surpasses a parent’s discomfort — mental and or physical, financial choices should be studied and reviewed with an eye on the child’s future. Moore’s training is not meant to coddle but to instruct. She uses her past life to exemplify these training points; this usage causes the training to take on a humble voice that instructs without judgment.

Moore believes that her life was made better by her parents being present in her mind; and their mental presence influenced her physical actions and behavior. She argues that parental presence is needed in the minds of today’s children; however, the presence in a child’s mind needs to be positive, loving, and instructional; this can only happen if today’s parents are trained in being a positive presence; thus, The Power of Presence. Moore’s training is detailed, practical, relatable, and based in the timely reality of now, and the training will not only benefit single mothers but anyone looking to better a child’s life and their own.