In today’s fast-paced society, it can be difficult to stay present in our everyday lives. We are constantly bombarded with distractions-smartphones, social media, work obligations, etc.
But as parents, it’s especially important to find ways to stay present in order to better connect with our children.
Here are 5 ways to stay more present in your kid’s life as a parent
1. Set boundaries with work communication (email and phone)
If you work from home, you probably have to be attached to your email inbox or phone for at least some of the day and that’s not your fault.
But if there’s any room to remove some of your on-call hours or any way to put the phone away for a couple of hours per day, do it! It makes a major difference in being present when you’re able to spend time with your family.
2. Plan outings and/or activities for your kids when possible
One way to make the most of your time together is to plan outings and activities that everyone will enjoy. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy – even a simple trip to the park can be a great way to bond with your kids.
Doing things together as a family helps to teach our kids important values such as teamwork and communication, while also providing opportunities for quality bonding time.
And, by taking the time to plan ahead, you can avoid those stressed-out moments when everyone is bored and there’s nothing to do.
So next time you’re feeling frazzled, remember that a little planning can go a long way towards making quality family time.
3. Connect with your child through conversation
Taking a few minutes each day to connect with your child through conversation can make a world of difference. Not only will it help you be more present with them, but it will also give you a chance to really listen to what they have to say.
It’s a great opportunity to bond with your child and get to know them better.
This can be tough to do, especially when you’re tired or busy, but it’s so important. When you’re present with your child, you’re showing them that they matter and that their thoughts and feelings are important to you.
It also helps you to connect with them on a deeper level and understand what’s going on in their lives.
So next time you’re feeling frazzled, take a step back and have a chat with your little one. You might be surprised at how much you learn about your child – and yourself – in the process.
Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Mindful Parenting: What are the Benefits?
4. Be there for your child physically and emotionally
Being present and available for your children both physically and emotionally is one of the most important things you can do as a parent.
Just by being there for them, you are teaching them that they are important and that their feelings matter.
This can help them to feel more secure and confident, and it can also encourage them to express themselves more openly. In addition, being present and available can help you to be a more mindful parent.
When you are fully focused on your children, you are better able to understand their needs and respond to them in a way that is both supportive and nurturing.
As a result, making the effort to be there for your children both physically and emotionally can have a profound impact on your relationship with them for years to come, well into adulthood.
5. Pick up a hobby
No, I’m not kidding. Doing something just for yourself that will allow you to unwind somewhat and enjoy yourself will do so much for your ability to start being present in your daily life with your kids. Recharging yourself is not overrated.
Making time for your own hobbies as a parent is an example of modeling healthy behaviors for your kids. Wouldn’t you want your children to make time for things they enjoy later in life, as well?
Here’s a whole article about why you should have hobbies as a parent and while it’s actually beneficial for not only yourself but for your kids.
As parents, it’s important to find ways to stay present in order to better connect with our children. Here are 5 ways to help you stay more present in your everyday life: putting the phone away for a couple of hours per day, planning outings and/or activities for your kids when possible, connecting with your child through conversation, being there for your child both physically and emotionally, and making time for your own hobbies.
What ways do you like to stay present in your everyday life? Let us know in the comments below!
