The Summer of Mindfulness: The Top 5 Tips for Being a Present Parent
Being a parent can be a fulfilling and joyful experience, from those oxytocin-filled hours after your baby arrives to watching your little one take their first steps. However, between work, home maintenance, managing your kids’ schedules, and trying to carve out a social life, being a present parent may be easier said than done.
Whether you find yourself checking your phone at the park or popping into the other room at home to catch up on work emails, distractions abound. The good news? Being a more conscious caregiver doesn’t have to be an uphill battle—all it takes is a little mindfulness. Not sure where to start your mindfulness journey? If you want to fully engage with your kids and get the most out of every moment with them, here are some easy tips that can help you be a more mindful parent.
Put your phone away: If you’re glued to your phone, you’re not alone. According to one 2023 poll, Americans check their phone an average of 144 times a day. Instead of keeping your phone in your hand or pocket, try stashing it in the pocket of your favorite diaper bag or travel backpack. The Petunia Pickle Bottom Tempo Backpack in Saddle—part of the beloved brand’s new summer-themed Solstice Collection—is the perfect accessory for keeping your tech safe while you’re on the go: not only does it have a padded interior tech sleeve, it boasts 8 pockets total, as well as a detachable wristlet, making it easy to keep your phone out of sight but close enough to use in a pinch.
Make a to-do-list: While making to-do lists may feel like a supremely un-zen activity, they can actually be a crucial element in ensuring you’re a more present parent throughout the day. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that creating a specific plan—like making a to-do list—can help reduce intrusive thoughts and make completing tasks a less burdensome process, making it easier to stay present. One of the simplest items to add to your to-do list is packing all of your supplies for the day ahead of time, a task that’s a breeze with the Petunia Pickle Bottom Organizer Trio in Saddle. With three sizes and a secure zipper atop each, these are a great way to keep your bag organized with everything you need for the day, from your wallet to small toys.
Get moving: Exercising is one of the easiest ways to keep your mind calm. Even a gentle walk can do the trick if you have the right gear on hand. A comfortable outfit, supportive sneakers, and an easy-to-carry bag, like the Petunia Pickle Bottom Criss-Cross Sling in Mink, can make it easy to get in some much-needed movement that will get your heart pumping, those endorphins flowing, and keep your mind clear.
Write down your thoughts: If you’ve been feeling distracted, journaling may help you be more present. A 2018 JMIR Mental Health study found that journaling reduced subjects’ mental distress while increasing overall wellbeing. So, if you’re feeling stressed or distracted, try writing down those thoughts before bed—or carry a notebook with you to jot them down as they come up.
Do some breath work: Something as simple as focusing on your breath can help bring you back into the present moment fast. A 2023 Cell Reports Medicine paper found that just five minutes of breath work reduced signs of physical stress while boosting mood. So, if you find yourself distracted by the rigors of daily life, take a few minutes to focus on your breathing and you might just find some of those intrusive thoughts melting away.
From missing binkies to work commitments, parents field a nearly endless number of daily distractions. Luckily, a few simple mindfulness activities can make all the difference in terms of the connection you form with your kiddos and your overall stress level. Deep breaths—you’ve got this.
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