Staying Present With Your Kids

1. Set Technology-Free Times (Yes, That Includes You, Too 📱🚫)

We’ve all done it—nodding along to our child’s story about their crayon masterpiece while sneakily scrolling Instagram. The problem? Kids notice. And nothing says “I love you” like putting down your phone and looking them in the eye.

Try creating tech-free zones or times in your day:

• During dinner
  
  

• The first 30 minutes after school
  
  

• Bedtime routine
  
  

These mini pockets of focus can make your child feel like they’ve got your undivided attention—even if the laundry mountain is plotting against you in the other room.

💡 Bonus hack: If it helps, literally put your phone in a drawer during these times. Out of sight, out of mind… and out of reach of sticky toddler fingers.

2. Practice Active Listening (No, “Mhm” Doesn’t Count 👂✨)

Kids don’t just want you to hear them—they want you to listen. And active listening is like giving them a giant neon sign that says, “What you’re saying matters to me.”

How to practice active listening:

• Put down what you’re doing (yes, even the dish sponge).
  
  

• Look them in the eye.
  
  

• Repeat back what they said in your own words.
  
  

Example:
Child: “Mom, I built the biggest Lego tower ever!”
You: “Wow, you built the biggest tower! How tall is it?”

See? Instant connection. Plus, it helps them learn communication skills. And hey, you might actually learn why dinosaurs were having a tea party in the Lego castle.

3. Create a Daily Ritual (Because Kids Love Predictable Magic 🪄)

Here’s the thing: kids don’t need you to spend all day playing Barbies or soccer. What they need is consistency. A simple daily ritual shows them that no matter how chaotic life gets, there’s always time carved out just for them.

Some ritual ideas:

• A bedtime story (yes, even if you can recite “Goodnight Moon” in your sleep).
  
  

• A morning hug and pep talk before school.
  
  

• A quick walk after dinner.
  
  

• “Highs and Lows” of the day chat before bed.
  
  

Rituals give kids something to look forward to, and they make staying present easier because you’ve already blocked the time.

4. Be Intentional With Time (Goodbye, Parenting Autopilot ⏰)

When you’re short on time (and let’s be real, when are we not?), quality always beats quantity. It’s about being intentional with the minutes you do have.

Instead of half-watching a movie while folding socks, try this:

• Sit down and actually watch that 20-minute cartoon with your child. Laugh with them. Comment on the silly parts.
  
  

• Use car rides to talk (captive audience, anyone?).
  
  

• Turn errands into mini adventures. “We’re not just buying milk—we’re on a secret mission!”
  
  

When you choose to fully engage, even 10 minutes can feel like magic.

5. Use Mindfulness Tools (Zen Parenting, Activated 🧘♀️)

Mindfulness isn’t just for yoga studios—it’s for parents trying not to lose their cool when juice spills again. It’s about noticing the moment you’re in, instead of living in the next five things on your to-do list.

Mindfulness tricks for parents:

• Take three deep breaths before responding to your child.
  
  

• Notice little details: the way their hair smells after a bath, the sound of their laughter, the way their tiny hand fits in yours.
  
  

• Try “mindful play.” Put your phone away and just watch how your child builds, colors, or creates.
  
  

Not only does mindfulness keep you present—it also helps your child feel calmer and more connected. Win-win.

Final Thought: Parenting is About Presence, Not Perfection

The most powerful gift you can give your kids is your attention. Your laughter. Your listening ear. Your willingness to pause and really be there. And the best part? Presence doesn’t cost a thing (unless you count coffee, which is non-negotiable).