15 Habits for Present Parenting
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Parenting is one of the most sacred callings in life. In today’s fast-paced world, it is easy to get caught up in distractions that pull us away from being fully present with our children.
But intentional parenting—being physically, emotionally, and spiritually present—helps build strong, confident, and connected children. Here are 15 habits of present parents that will strengthen your relationship with your child and create a home filled with love, understanding, and faith.
1. Prioritize Quality Time Over Quantity
It’s not about how much time you spend with your child but how intentional you are with that time. Set aside moments each day to engage meaningfully with them, whether through reading a book, playing a game, or having a heart-to-heart conversation.
Quality time means eliminating distractions and fully immersing yourself in the activity with your child, making them feel seen and valued. As child psychologist Dr. John Gottman states, “A child’s sense of being loved and valued is built on small daily interactions, not grand gestures.”
2. Put Away Distractions
Phones, emails, and social media can steal valuable moments from our children. Practice putting away devices when interacting with your child. Create phone-free zones or hours to ensure your child gets your undivided attention.
This shows them that they are more important than any outside distraction and fosters deeper relationships. A mother of three shares, “I started leaving my phone in another room during playtime, and I noticed a huge change in how my kids engaged with me. They knew I was truly present.”
3. Practice Active Listening
Give your child the gift of being heard. Make eye contact, acknowledge their feelings, and respond with empathy. When they speak, put down what you’re doing and truly engage in the conversation. Avoid interrupting or dismissing their thoughts.
Instead, reflect on what they say and validate their emotions, making them feel respected and understood. Psychologist Dr. Laura Markham explains, “When children feel heard, they are more likely to trust and open up to their parents.”
4. Engage in Meaningful Conversations
Beyond the typical “How was your day?” ask deeper questions: “What was the best part of your day?” “Did anything challenge you today?” Encourage them to share their thoughts and emotions openly.
These conversations help build trust and allow you to understand your child’s inner world better. A father of two recalls, “My son would barely answer my questions until I started asking specific things like, ‘Tell me about one thing that made you laugh today.’ Now, he won’t stop talking!”
5. Create Daily Traditions
Small rituals create big memories. Whether it’s bedtime prayers, a weekly movie night, or making pancakes on Saturdays, traditions strengthen family bonds and provide children with a sense of security.
These simple traditions become cherished childhood memories that provide comfort and consistency. A mother shares, “My daughter looks forward to our ‘Sunday Sundae’ nights—it’s our little tradition that keeps us connected.”
6. Be Fully Present During Bedtime
The moments before sleep are powerful opportunities for connection. Take time to pray together, talk about their day, and offer comfort. This is when children often open up about their worries and dreams.
A peaceful bedtime routine helps children feel secure and loved, promoting better sleep and emotional well-being. “Bedtime is when my daughter shares the most about her feelings,” says one parent. “I make sure to always listen.”
7. Encourage Play and Creativity
Play is a child’s language. Get on the floor, build Legos, play dress-up, or draw together. Engaging in their world helps them feel valued and loved.
Creative activities enhance cognitive development and emotional expression, allowing children to explore their imagination freely. Researcher Dr. Stuart Brown notes, “Play is essential for the healthy development of the brain and emotional resilience.”
8. Validate Their Feelings
Children need to feel that their emotions are important. Instead of dismissing their fears or frustrations, acknowledge their feelings with phrases like, “I see that you’re really upset. That must be hard for you.”
Validating their emotions teaches them emotional intelligence and helps them navigate their feelings in a healthy way. “My son had a rough day at school, and instead of saying ‘You’ll be fine,’ I said, ‘That must have been really tough. I’m here for you,’” shares a dad. “It made all the difference.”
9. Use Gentle and Intentional Discipline
Discipline is about teaching, not punishing. Set clear boundaries, explain expectations, and use natural consequences. Approach discipline with patience, guidance, and grace. Instead of reacting with anger, focus on helping your child understand their mistakes and learn from them.
This builds trust and encourages better behavior in the long run. Dr. Daniel Siegel states, “Discipline should be about teaching children, not making them feel bad.”
We have written a guide to effective, gentle discipline methods. You can read it here.
10. Model the Behavior You Want to See
Children learn more from what we do than what we say. If we want them to be kind, patient, and respectful, we must demonstrate those behaviors in our own actions.
Model kindness, integrity, and gratitude in your daily interactions, and your child will naturally mirror these values. “I started thanking my kids when they helped, and now they do the same to each other,” a mom notes.
11. Pray With and For Your Child
A present parent nurtures their child’s faith. Pray together daily and let your child hear you pray for them. This reinforces their understanding of God’s love and presence in their life.
Prayer cultivates a strong spiritual foundation and provides comfort and guidance during difficult times. “Hearing my mother pray for me every night gave me confidence that I was never alone,” recalls an adult reflecting on their childhood.
12. Make Mealtime Sacred
Use mealtime as an opportunity for connection. Turn off screens, sit together, and talk about your day.
Sharing meals strengthens family bonds and creates a space for meaningful conversations. Studies show that family meals improve children’s self-esteem, academic performance, and emotional well-being.
13. Support Their Interests and Dreams
Be involved in your child’s passions. Attend their games, celebrate their achievements, and encourage their dreams, even if they differ from your own.
Showing genuine interest in their hobbies builds confidence and strengthens your relationship with them.
14. Be Patient and Present During Hard Moments
Children will have meltdowns, struggles, and moments of defiance. Instead of reacting in frustration, be the calm in their storm.
Show them they are loved even when they make mistakes. Your patience and understanding during difficult moments teach them resilience, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.
15. Speak Words of Affirmation Daily
The words we speak become the inner voice of our children. Affirm their worth with words like, “I’m so proud of you,” “God has a great plan for you,” and “You are deeply loved.”
Final Thoughts
Being a present parent is not about perfection but about consistency and intention. When we show up fully in our children’s lives, we provide them with a strong foundation of love, security, and faith. These habits will not only strengthen your relationship with your child but also shape their hearts for a lifetime.
Which habit do you think you will try to develop first?
Vanessa Rooney – LDS Mum
