The Power of Being Present: What My Kids Really Need from Me
There was a time in my life when everything looked “right” on paper — a steady corporate job, structure, achievement, and the routine hustle of daily deadlines. But deep in my soul, something felt missing. The day I took the leap from that life, I didn’t see it as a loss. I saw it as the beginning of something invisible but necessary — a quiet invitation into a new chapter.
I never looked back with bitterness. Only with gratitude.
Gratitude for the lessons.
Gratitude for the stillness that followed.
Gratitude for the opportunity to finally be present — fully, intentionally — for the people who matter most.
It was a leap into the unknown, a path I couldn’t fully see, but somehow I knew it was the right road. And today, more than ever, I see why.
Our kids are growing — physically, emotionally, mentally. The way they think is shifting. Their beliefs, opinions, decisions — all evolving in ways that surprise me every day. Puberty, identity, independence... it’s all coming at once. And in this whirlwind of growth, I’ve realized something simple but profound:
They don’t just need me to provide for them. They need me to be with them.
To slow down.
To listen when they talk passionately, even when I don’t understand it.
To sit quietly when they’re frustrated.
To stay in the room during disagreements and show them that love doesn’t leave, even when perspectives clash.
This journey hasn’t been easy. There are days when I want to fix everything, to jump in and redirect their choices toward what I believe is “better” for them. But more and more, I’m learning that motherhood — true, intentional motherhood — requires humility.
It means stepping back, like our Blessed Mother Mary did so many times. She didn’t try to control Jesus. She didn’t force His path. She pondered things in her heart. She watched, waited, trusted. She was present — even when misunderstood, even when her heart broke.
That kind of presence takes strength.
It takes silence, patience, empathy, and a willingness to let our children speak freely — even if their words sting or challenge us.
If we, as parents, don’t give them a safe space to speak, who will?
If we don’t stay grounded and available, what message does that send about love?
I often pray to Mama Mary. I ask her to guide me — to teach me how to listen, how to respond with grace, how to lead with love even when things feel messy or hard. Because the truth is, I know there will be seasons when my kids may pull away. They may think they hate me, they may rebel, they may shut me out. But I will still be here.
Like Mary, I will be the one waiting with love — not with judgment, not with shame, but with open arms.
We talk a lot in our home about open communication, but it starts with open hearts. That’s what I’m trying to live — to show up, to be available, to pause and be present even when life is loud. Because one day, when the puzzle pieces all fall into place, I believe they’ll see it too: that through every phase, every storm, every mistake, and every milestone — love never left.
Mama, if you're in a season where showing up feels hard, you're not alone.
Pause today — even just for five minutes — and be fully present with your child.
Ask them a question without rushing their answer.
Hold space for their big feelings, their changing minds, or their quiet moments.
And if you're feeling lost in it all, whisper a simple prayer — “Mama Mary, walk with me.”
We’re all growing right alongside our kids. And presence — not perfection — is what they’ll remember.
I'd love to hear from you…
What helps you stay present with your kids?
Share in the comments or message me — let's grow through this journey together.
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