If your child feels your presence in this way, it can be incredibly regulating for them - they feel like they are in a safe harbour.

They feel really seen.

And wow - it can be SO hard to do!

Why is it so difficult?

Weeeelll, there is the to-do list, the mental load, the laundry, shopping, meal planning, remembering to fill in the school trip form, book the car repair, buy and send birthday cards (and the stamps!) arrange playdates, do life admin, fit in work, plan for the future, deal with the past - you know - everyday stuff :)

As a busy parent, your brain is probably on permanent churn mode and so showing up for your children with your full, undivided, undistracted presence might feel like you have to stop a fire hose of internal noise.

However I know that when I do it, it feels like magic. When I stop, pause, breathe and look - really look at my child - it brings a feeling of unspoken connection - and I remember how much I love his every cell.

I know he feels it when I am truly present (and when I am not - aaargh) - because I just know - I can feel it too.

Try this

Even for just one minute today. At some point, stop, pause, take a few long, slow breaths and look at your child, look underneath the surface, really see them. How does it feel?