In the busy cycle of work and life, many parents fall into a state of distraction right when their children are excited to chat.
Checking the phone while nodding while showing off their children's lessons or confidently performing fashion shows at home... - things that seem harmless, but create invisible distance in family relationships.
Children are very sensitive, they will recognize it when their parents are not really caring and present.
According to psychologist Tanushri Tejas Talekar, working at Samarpan Health (Mumbai, India), emotional presence plays a key role in the development of children.
Not only growing up with food and clothing, children need an emotional safe environment to form a view of themselves and the world.
Ms. Talekar emphasized that parents' concern does not lie in being pampered or appearing everywhere all the time, but in the ability to understand the true emotions inside the child.
Ms. Talekar said that in reality, emotional presence is not giving up work or always being by her side. What is more important is the quality of the moments together.
Emotional presence is not measured by time and sleep; but by sincere concern, says Talekar.
To build this connection, Ms. Talekar offers 5 habits that parents can practice every day:
First, ask your child how they feel in the morning instead of just mentioning tasks.
Second, stop for a few seconds before reacting to understand the emotions behind your child's behavior.
Third, spend a few minutes completely focusing on children: no phone, no solving personal work.
Fourth, help children identify emotions so that they can understand and express better.
Finally, end the day with a warm ritual like chatting, storytelling or thanking. This is to help children feel connected and safe.
When raised in an emotional environment, children become more confident, regulate emotions well and develop the ability to face challenges.
On the contrary, children grow up with parents who are only physically present but psychologically distant and tend to hide their emotions, or exaggerate to attract attention.
These role models can follow children into adulthood, affecting relationships, work and self-respect.
The important message is that parents can make a big difference with just a few minutes of presence every day.
Proactive listening, asking questions and expressing sincere curiosity help children feel loved and safe, which are fundamental factors for healthy maturity.
