Present Parenting
I have been thinking about Present Parenting recently. This may look different for each of us as parents. We all have a certain amount of capacity each day for the ups and downs, highs and lows of life. I am here FOR ALL OF IT! What does Present Parenting feel, look and sound like? Be where your feet are, make eye contact with your children, set time aside to allow your children to share what they are thinking or dreaming about, and remind your children this is a judgement free time. You, as the parent, are actively listening without interrupting your child. Hard, I know. Sometimes this may happen before they go off to school, or when they get home or before bed. I have had years of practice as a present parent, however I feel like I am taking a deeper dive into it these days having two teenagers in my household. I am enjoying most of motherhood. We are all works in progress. I am the first one to admit, I am not perfect. I have made mistakes. I do apologize when I get it wrong. I own up to it. I think this is important as a parent. Model what matters is what my Mom friend, shared with me when I was pregnant with my eldest teenager. Our children are always watching us how we respond and react to different situations.
As my eldest is looking at his next step for his evolution, college either locally or 915 miles away from home. I am thankful for my business and life coach, Kim who reminded me, I have been through this similar cycle many times. It is important to be a safe haven for our children as they navigate their next steps in their current & future chapters. It is another version of growth in each stage. Sometimes our children need us more than other times. However, being present as a parent is such a gift that we can give our children. Face to face time with no phones and no wine, just presence. I am here. I hear you. I see you.
No screens, how in the world do I do that you might ask? I know, we all think we need to be available 24/7. I am the happiest when my phone is on the Do not Disturb setting, and it is in my purse. I get to choose when people have access to me. That is the game changer! Connections, face to face are far more important to me, than that black rectangle. I also have my text notifications off too. When I look at my phone, I can see who sent me a text and respond in a timely manner. My inner circle know to call me if it is urgent. I know what it feels like when people have their phone on, and they are looking at it, or it is sitting next them at the table, all the while we are trying to have a conversation. People are ignored and that does not feel very good. For my children, I want to be present with them. They matter. The black rectangle, my phone can wait.
Wine-free Present Parenting, it can be done. I am living proof. I used to think I needed a glass of wine to help me relax at 5 pm, after a long day of parenting, little did I know, I actually needed true rest or a walk outside. Now, I use the HALT-B check in, thank you to my Coach Heather for this life hack, to see what do I need at 5 pm? Am I hungry, am I angry, am I lonely, am I tired or am I bored? It is a handy check in to see what my body is calling for at the end of the day. In 2024, I did a challenge of no alcohol for 365 days. I did complete this challenge. I will write a future blogpost about this extraordinary challenge. I was much more present with myself and my family during this challenge. It was a beautiful and healing experience.
Being a Present Parent is a part of my joy formula, I get to choose to live and wake up, free and clear each day. I feel much lighter and happier as a person, a mom and a wife when I skip drinking wine. I do like the taste of wine, but I do not like how it makes me feel afterwards: tired, foggy, dull, distracted, and it gives me anxiety. I rather choose to do something different, go for a walk, read a book, type a blogpost, talk to a friend or my mom, or siblings, be present or drink my hot tea. I love to wake up, free, clear and rested the next day. I do not want miss the precious moments of my children’s lives. I want to be present with myself, my children and others. It is a gift, that I get to choose daily. If this blogpost resonated with you today, please do me a favor and share it with a friend. Thank you so kindly.
What are you choosing today?
Present Parenting with Clarity and Connection ✨March 1, 2026, Blogpost #2 Coach LGP 🌻
