Somewhere between wiping noses, reheating coffee, and Googling “is my toddler’s snack phase normal,” you might’ve asked yourself:
Am I doing a good job?
And if you’re anything like the rest of us, you’ve probably answered with a hesitant… “maybe?”
Because the pressure is everywhere.
To be calm, creative, consistent.
To give our kids magical memories, Pinterest-worthy snack trays, and endless emotional attunement while also remembering to change out the laundry.
But what if being a good mom didn’t look like doing more?
What if the golden rule wasn’t “try harder”… but “be here.”
Fully. Even just for a moment.
Because truthfully?
Kids don’t need a cruise to Greece or a four-step craft involving biodegradable glitter.
What they crave most is your presence, not perfection.
We’re talking about those tiny, golden moments when you look up from your phone and really see them.
When you listen (actually listen) to a rambling story about a purple dinosaur and a talking banana.
When you kneel down and meet their eyes as they ask the same question for the 87th time.
That’s the magic.
That’s the glue.
That’s what makes you a good mom.
It’s not about being present all the time. That’s impossible. (And also, not the goal.)
It’s about choosing presence on purpose when it counts.
Sometimes, presence looks like a cuddle on the couch with no background noise.
Other times, it’s letting them “help” fold the laundry while you give them your full attention, even if it means every towel ends up shaped like a croissant.
It’s saying yes to a three-minute dance party before bedtime.
Or pausing your mental to-do list to really notice the way they scrunch their nose when they laugh.
These moments don’t look big from the outside, but they feel big to your child.
And let’s be honest: being present can be hard.
Especially when your brain is already juggling 47 tabs open at once. But the good news?
Presence doesn’t require a perfect setup. You don’t need an Instagrammable activity or a sudden burst of energy.
You just need to notice.
To decide, just for a moment, to tune in.
Even when you’re tired. Even when things are messy. Even if all you can manage is one solid moment of connection.
That’s more than enough.
Petites pensées
You don’t have to add more to your plate to be a good mom.
You don’t need better routines or a calm voice or “just one more parenting book.”
You just have to let yourself be here - for five seconds, five minutes, whatever you can manage.
That’s what they’ll remember.
That’s what sticks.
And the best part?
It makes you feel more like you, too.