Notice and follow your child’s interests and attention. Take three deep belly breaths (or more if needed) to calm yourself, so that you can be a comforting presence for your little one. Find a feeling of calm in your own body before engaging with your child.Set some time to silence or turn off all technology (phones, TV) and connect with your child. Here are some ways to practice presence this holiday season: We get a chance to enjoy the feelings and intentions that are a part of this season – love and gratitude. This attention also helps them adapt to the excitement and unusual routines that may come at this time of year.Ĭonnecting in this way is good for us, too. When we take a break from the bustle, slow down and give that precious gift of mindful attention to our children, we let them know how much they are loved. When children receive our nurturing attention, they flourish within warm feelings of being seen and heard.ĭuring the holiday season, it can be even harder than usual to find these moments for calming connection. Yet we know that this kind of loving presence is something children need. The gift of our full, undivided attention is hard when we are busy and have lots of distractions and thoughts that weigh on us. Mindfulness teacher Thich Nhat Hahn reminds us, “The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence.” As we hurry to cross things off our to-do list, it’s easy to miss the most important “to-do” of all: spending time with our little ones. Infant and Early Childhood Mental HealthĪs much as we may love this time of year, it’s also a time when we can feel extra stress.

Your presence