More Than Supplies: The Everyday Power of Presence (Blog #54)

By Glenda Henning-Augustine*

For some, the first-day jitters have already passed, the new pencils are being sharpened, and the school year is officially in motion. Yet even though the rush of back-to-school has faded, there’s something just as important to hold onto right now: The power of presence!

Why Presence Matters

It’s easy to get caught up in what’s ahead—upcoming projects, deadlines, exams—or to dwell on what didn’t go right in the past week. However, the real growth for students, parents, and teachers occurs when we pause and take notice of this moment. Being present—showing up fully with attention, care, and support—creates the foundation for confidence and resilience.

As Joy Thomas Moore reminds us in her book, The Power of Presence, presence is not about being perfect or always knowing what to do; it’s about being consistently engaged in our children’s lives in ways that say, “I see you.' I value you. I believe in you.”

Presence in Action

As a mom of four now-adult children, I can look back and see how presence mattered more than anything I could buy. Sitting at the kitchen table while someone wrestled with math homework, waiting in the car after a late practice, or showing up at performances—even though tired after a long day—spoke louder than any material gift. Those moments let my children know that they were not alone in their journey.

A Tradition Worth Keeping

Even though the school year is already underway, it’s never too late to create rituals of presence. Maybe it’s Friday morning pancakes, a nightly check-in before bed, or a quick walk around the block to hear about a child’s day. These practices remind our children that they matter right now, in this moment, and that they don’t have to wait until a significant milestone to feel celebrated and supported.

Closing Thought

Presence is the real gift. It’s not about the rush of the first day or the anxiety of what’s to come. It’s about showing up—fully and consistently—in ways that reassure our children that they are seen, loved, and capable. As Joy Thomas Moore writes, the power of presence is what shapes lives, strengthens families, and turns everyday moments into lasting memories.

Wishing you all a great school year from Pre-K to PhDs!

Joy Moore’s book “The Power of Presence” is available at Amazon.com.  Check out the 2 Black Moms & A Mic podcaster interview with Joy here. 

*Glenda Henning-Augustine is co-Founder of 2 Black Moms & A Mic