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Mom (Dad), Where Are You? The Power of Time and Attention in Parenting

“Mom, where are you?” “Dad, can you play with me?”

These heartfelt questions often come from a place of longing—a child’s desire for your time, attention, and connection.

But as a parent, your to-do list seems endless: managing work commitments, organizing the family calendar, ensuring your child is developing essential skills, keeping up with grocery shopping, cooking meals, planning social activities, attending soccer games, and caring for your child when they’re unwell.

It can feel like there’s simply no time left for anything else.

Yet, one of the greatest gifts you can offer your child isn’t a perfectly packed lunch or a spotless house—it’s you.

Your time and attention are the highest forms of love and respect you can show them.

But how can you possibly carve out moments of connection amid the whirlwind of daily responsibilities?

The Reality of Modern Parenting

Life as a parent is demanding.

Every day presents a balancing act between providing for your family and being present with them.

It’s easy to get caught in a cycle of doing, where the urgent overshadows the important.

Sleep gets sacrificed, rest feels like a luxury, and time with your children becomes fragmented.

But here’s the truth: intentional time with your child doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to beconsistent. Creating moments of connection isn’t about clearing your schedule completely; it’s about prioritizing the time you have, no matter how limited.

Three Steps to Reclaim Time and Connection

  1. Stop, Think, and Rest
    Amid the busyness, pause and evaluate your priorities. Are there tasks you can delegate or reschedule? When you allow yourself moments of rest, you recharge your energy and model the importance of self-care to your children. Rest isn’t indulgent—it’s essential to being fully present.
  2. Make Time for Sleep
    A well-rested parent is more patient, attentive, and creative. Prioritize sleep as a non-negotiable part of your routine. Even small adjustments, like a consistent bedtime or limiting screen time before bed, can make a big difference. Your child will benefit from a parent who is alert and emotionally available.
  3. Plan Connection Time with an Open Heart


Connection doesn’t require hours of free time—it thrives in moments of focused attention.

Set aside specific times each week for activities your child loves.

Whether it’s reading a bedtime story, baking cookies together, or simply sitting down for an uninterrupted conversation, these moments build trust and strengthen your bond.

The Power of Presence

When you take the time to truly be present with your child, you show them they are seen, valued, and loved.

This foundation of trust and security nurtures their emotional well-being and shapes their confidence as they grow.

Parenting is full of challenges, but it’s also rich with opportunities to create meaningful memories.

By stopping to rest, prioritizing sleep, and intentionally planning connection, you’ll find that even in the busiest seasons, there’s space for what truly matters: love, respect, and the simple joy of being together.

So the next time your child asks, “Mom, where are you?” or “Dad, can we play?” let your answer be clear: “I’m here, with you.”

It’s in these moments that the magic of parenting happens.

Want help with parenting questions you may have? Let’s chat…

The Magic of Disneyland Through Fresh Eyes: A Guide for Parents

Just last week, I returned from Disneyland with three of my nine grandchildren, and let me tell you—we had an absolutely magical time!

As we left the park, my heart was full, and I found myself reflecting on why this trip was so special.

It wasn’t just the dazzling rides or the enchanting atmosphere; it was something deeper, something more meaningful.

So, parents, I want to share with you three key insights from this experience that made our time at Disneyland not only fun but also relaxing and harmonious.

If you’re planning a trip to an amusement park with your little (or not-so-little) ones, I hope these tips will help you create lasting memories, too.


  1. Embrace the Unexpected with Grace

One of the biggest reasons this trip felt so magical was because I walked into it relaxed

I didn’t hold onto rigid expectations or try to control every detail.

Instead, I reminded myself that “hiccups” are inevitable when you’re with kids, whether it’s a spilled drink, a sudden meltdown, or someone needing an unexpected bathroom break.

Rather than viewing these moments as stressors, I chose to see them as part of the adventure.

This mindset created a calm energy that carried us through the day and made it easier to pivot when plans changed. The kids picked up on my relaxed attitude, and it set the tone for the whole group.

Parent Tip: Before you go, take a moment to accept that things might not go perfectly—and that’s okay. When you stay calm, you model resilience and adaptability for your kids, which can make the whole trip feel smoother.


2. See the Magic Through “Fresh Eyes”

I hadn’t been to Disneyland in five years, and this time, I made a conscious decision to experience it with “new” and “open” eyes. Instead of comparing this visit to past trips, I approached every ride, every parade, and every little detail as though it was my first time seeing them.

This shift in perspective helped me rediscover the wonder of Disneyland—not just for myself but alongside my grandchildren.

The way their faces lit up when we visited “It’s a Small World” or how we raced to the next ride, it was contagious. It reminded me that the magic of these places isn’t just in the attractions; it’s in the shared joy and discovery.

Parent Tip: Try seeing the park through your children’s eyes. Let go of past experiences or preconceived notions, and focus on the little things that make them smile. Their wonder might just reignite your own.


  1. Prioritize Harmony Over Individual Agendas

One of the most significant contributors to our smooth day was that everyone agreed to stick together. 

All seven of us decided to go on the same rides and eat at the same places, which meant we avoided the usual tug-of-war over competing preferences.

This didn’t happen by accident; it required a conversation upfront about working as a team.

We made decisions together and emphasized that the goal was to enjoy the day as a family.

The result?

More laughter, fewer arguments, and a deeper sense of connection.

Parent Tip: Before your trip, set expectations about staying together as a group. Encourage your kids to focus on shared experiences rather than individual wish lists. This approach fosters teamwork and helps create memories you’ll all cherish.


The Bigger Picture: Why This Trip Stood Out

As I reflect on our adventure, I realize it wasn’t just about rides or food—it was about presence, perspective, and connection.

By staying relaxed, seeing the park through fresh eyes, and prioritizing family harmony, we created an experience that felt truly special.

I know that as the days go by, I’ll think of other little details that made this trip so magical, but for now, I hope these insights serve as a guiding light for your next family outing. 

Whether you’re headed to Disneyland or a local fair, remember that the most important thing isn’t what you do—it’s how you do it, and who you share it with.

Here’s to creating your own magical memories, one adventure at a time! 🌟

What about you, parents? Do you have a favorite family amusement park story or tip to share? Let’s swap ideas in the comments below!

Writing a Love Letter to Your Children: A Timeless Gift of Connection

In a world filled with fleeting moments, where life moves fast and distractions are endless, the power of a heartfelt love letter remains unmatched.

Writing a love letter to your children isn’t just a gesture of affection; it’s an enduring gift that will resonate in their hearts for years to come.

It’s a moment where time stands still, and your words become a safe haven for them to revisit, especially in times of doubt, joy, or reflection.

Here’s why—and how—you can write a love letter to your children that becomes a cherished keepsake, a tangible representation of your love.


Why Write a Love Letter to Your Children?

  1. It Builds Their Sense of Self-Worth
    Children often internalize the messages they receive from the world around them. Your love letter is an intentional way to ensure the loudest voice they hear is one of unconditional love and support. It reassures them of their value—not based on achievements or performance, but simply because they are loved for who they are.
  1. It Fosters Connection Across Time
    As children grow, they encounter milestones, challenges, and moments of self-discovery. A love letter serves as a reminder that your bond transcends these changes. Whether they’re a child holding onto your every word or an adult navigating life on their own, your letter becomes a touchstone of your unwavering connection.
  1. It Preserves Your Legacy
    Written words have an unmatched permanence. Your love letter creates a legacy of your relationship, a snapshot of your feelings, wisdom, and hopes for them. It’s something they can hold onto when they need encouragement, guidance, or simply to feel close to you.

How to Write a Love Letter to Your Children

  1. Set the Tone with Intention
    Create a quiet space, free from distractions, where you can connect with your feelings and memories. Think about what you want your child to feel as they read your words: love, pride, encouragement, or all of the above.
  1. Share Specific Memories
    Recall moments that make your heart swell. Share the joy you felt when they took their first steps, the pride you had at their recital, or how their laughter lights up the room. Specific memories make your letter uniquely theirs and anchor your love in shared experiences.
  1. Speak to Their Strengths and Dreams
    Highlight the qualities you admire in them—their kindness, resilience, creativity, or humor. If you know their dreams, affirm their potential to achieve them. Your belief in them can be a source of strength when they need it most.
  1. Offer Encouragement for Challenges
    Life is full of ups and downs. Use your letter as a chance to remind them that challenges are opportunities for growth. Share how proud you are of their courage, and assure them that they’re never alone in facing life’s obstacles.
  1. Close with Unconditional Love
    End your letter with a powerful reminder that your love knows no bounds. Whether they succeed or stumble, your love remains constant. Write words they can carry with them forever, like a soft whisper in their ear: “I love you today, tomorrow, and always.”

A Love Letter Is Forever

In writing a love letter to your children, you’re giving them something priceless: a piece of your heart, written in your voice, that they can carry with them through life. Whether they read it tomorrow or decades from now, your love will always be there to guide, comfort, and inspire them.

So take a moment, pick up a pen, and pour your love onto the page. It’s a gift that will outlast a lifetime.

My new parenting book is coming out in 2025…sign up here to be notified when it’s ready to launch and for all the bonuses you’ll receive for each pre-sale.

The Beauty and Possibility of Raising Children with Positive Self-Esteem

In a world that often seems only focused on achievement and external validation, raising children with a strong sense of self-esteem is one of the most beautiful and transformative gifts parents, teachers, and caregivers can offer. Positive self-esteem is more than just feeling good about oneself; it’s about cultivating a deep-rooted belief in one’s worth, capabilities, and potential. This foundation can shape a child’s life in extraordinary ways, opening doors to confidence, resilience, and meaningful relationships.

But how do we cultivate this kind of self-esteem?

Is it too lofty to think we can do it within our respective roles?

First, let me ask you this:

Who was the person who had the biggest positive impact on your self-esteem or confidence?

Was it a parent? A teacher? A family member? A caregiver?

Was it something they said? Or maybe it was how they stood up for you or supported you as you tried something new.

Most of us can remember at least one person who played this impactful role in our lives.

For me, it was my English summer school teacher just before my freshman year—Mr. Bell.

His name immediately came to mind as I started writing this. Mr. Bell asked me if I was enrolled in his higher-level English class, and I had to tell him that I hadn’t tested into it. He responded without hesitation, “That can’t be. I’ll do something about that, and I’ll see you in class.”

That one decision changed the course of my academic journey. Mr. Bell’s belief in me opened the door to a higher-level education that I might not have accessed otherwise. His encouragement gave me the confidence that “I can do it,” even though I hadn’t tested into the class.

Thanks to that boost, I graduated high school early and with honors!

It wasn’t until much later that I understood why standardized tests had always been a struggle—I had performance anxiety. But Mr. Bell’s faith in me helped me see beyond that. He made it possible for me to experience a challenging academic environment, and I embraced it fully.

Now, I invite you to reflect: Who played that role for you?

The beauty of raising children with positive self-esteem lies in our ability to be that person for someone else. Each word of encouragement, every small gesture of support, and each moment of believing in a child’s potential can open new doors for them, just as Mr. Bell did for me.

We all have the power to make a difference, and that is where the true possibility lies.