Present - by Charles C Daniels (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

An essential deep dive into absentee fatherhood, the obstacles and stigmas that exasperate it, the dads who want to reconnect with their children, and what it takes for families to start healing--from the co-founder of Fathers' UpLift

"Dr. Daniels, one of the nation's foremost experts on fatherhood and healthy families, has written a book that will help all of us show up for the fathers in our lives."--Michael Wear

Young men of color want to be good dads, but it takes more than a strong will to make that desire a reality. Charles C. Daniels Jr., PhD, a therapist and the co-founder and CEO of Fathers' UpLift, an organization that helps fathers reconnect with their kids, learned firsthand while serving primarily Black and Brown men that it's possible for fathers to overcome the significant challenges to establishing a relationship with their kids after weeks, months, or even years of separation.

Present is an honest look at the complexities that accompany separation and the sometimes grueling effort it takes to overcome those barriers. Drawing on therapeutic practice and the experiences of thousands, Daniels describes what it takes for fathers to parent themselves, for families to practice forgiveness, and for fathers and communities to create support structures so that dads can navigate life transitions, relate better to the whole family, and heal from their own woundedness.

Daniels details systemic obstacles that disadvantage fathers and societal stigmas that make healing relationships with children challenging. But he shows that they aren't the end of the story--it's still possible to reestablish familial bonds. For young men and those who support them, and for those who are interested in the struggles these men and their children face, Present is a book of challenge and of hope, filled with stories from Daniels's own life and the lives of the fathers he serves.

Review Quotes

"Fatherhood shapes each and every one of us. In Present, Dr. Charles Daniels offers an authoritative, moving, and healing account of the importance and meaning of fatherhood for each individual and for society. Dr. Daniels, one of the nation's foremost experts on fatherhood and healthy families, has written a book that will help all of us show up for the fathers in our lives. Present is a clarion call for those who have the honor, responsibility, and blessing of being a father themselves."--Michael Wear, founder, president, and CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life, and author of The Spirit of Our Politics

"For any father who doubts himself or his ability to connect with and/or raise his children, Present is for you. It is at once a beautiful memoir and a straightforward self-help guide. By describing his own family's journey--sometimes painful but always full of love--Dr. Daniels offers hope to those looking for people and organizations making a positive difference in society. . . . Well written and highly relevant to many of the problems facing the world today."--Carter Stewart, senior philanthropic leader and former United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio

"This is a great resource for anyone invested in being present in a child's life, despite the curveballs life may throw their way. Dr. Charles Daniels approaches fatherhood through the lens of social determinants while also addressing the humanistic aspects of parenting and the stigma men face throughout their journey. It serves as an excellent guide for future professionals in training."--Délé Faly, deputy warden at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility

"Present is a jewel of a book--part memoir, part political analysis of how our systems fail black fathers, and partly a love story to the fatherless boy Daniels was. You will be informed and inspired. But mostly you will be moved. Daniels never offers anything less than full-hearted honesty about the fathers he works with and about himself."--Gary Barker, PhD, CEO of Equimundo

About the Author

Charles C. Daniels Jr., PhD, is the co-founder and CEO of Fathers' UpLift, a nonprofit organization that provides mental health counseling, coaching, and advocacy to assist fathers with overcoming barriers that prevent them from remaining engaged in their children's lives. Daniels grew up outside Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from Bethune-Cookman University, and he holds a PhD in clinical social work from the Simmons University School of Social Work and a master's in divinity from the Boston University School of Theology.