Small moments make big memories. Here’s an easy way to be more present with your kids, even on busy days: leave the phone in the car.
The walk from the car to the door. The last five minutes before bed. The ride home. They seem too small to matter. But these are the moments children often remember: a hand to hold, a story, a grown-up who was really there.
What it means for your child
Small moments look different at each age.
- Babies: Eye contact during a feeding, a song while you change them, a slow rock before sleep. Those quiet minutes are full of love.
- Toddlers: Stopping to look at a bug. Splashing in one puddle. Toddlers live in the moment, and they love it when you join them.
- Preschoolers: They’ll tell you long stories about their day. Put down what you’re doing and look at them while they talk.
- School-age kids: Big kids may open up in the car or at bedtime. Those quiet, side-by-side times are when the good talks happen.
Try this tonight
Tonight, give your child a few phone-free minutes.
- At pickup, leave your phone in the car for the walk inside.
- On the walk out, hold hands and ask about one thing from their day.
- At home, set the phone in another room for the first ten minutes.
Words you can use
- “I’m all yours right now.”
- “Tell me about your day. I’m listening.”
- “This is my favorite part of the day.”
At Nana’s Place
Families bring children from 6 weeks to 12 years old to our two Glendale buildings for day, evening and overnight care. Pickup and drop-off are small moments that matter. Book a tour to see our buildings and meet us.
Questions parents ask
I’m on my phone a lot. How can I be more present with my kids?
Start small. Choose one or two phone-free times each day, like the walk inside and dinner. Put the phone out of sight, and your child will notice.
What if I only have a few minutes a day with my child?
A few warm minutes still matter. A hug, a story and a real conversation at bedtime can be the best part of a long day for both of you.
A long hug at pickup is one of those moments, and Nana wrote about it in You’re doing great, grown-ups. Slowing down takes practice, so read Patience is love that waits for little legs to catch up too.
