Motherhood is a whirlwind, a constant push and pull between chaos and beauty, exhaustion and joy. Some days feel like they stretch on forever, and yet somehow, the years slip through our fingers like sand. In the midst of nappies, snacks, and endless bedtime routines, it’s easy to lose sight of the magic in the everyday. But being present – truly present – with our kids is one of the greatest gifts we can give them and ourselves.
If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling mindlessly while your child tugs at your sleeve, or realising at the end of the day that you were physically there but mentally elsewhere, you’re not alone. Modern motherhood comes with distractions at every turn. But by making small, intentional shifts, we can reclaim the fleeting moments and soak up the beauty of this season of life. Here are some ways I have personally tried to anchor myself more into the present and remove distraction. Believe me, I’m far from perfect here!
1. Remove Social Media from Your Phone
This has been one of the most incredible game-changers for me this year.
One of the biggest barriers to presence is the endless scroll of social media. It’s so easy to open an app for ‘just a second’ and suddenly lose 15 minutes (or more!) to highlight reels, comparison traps, and digital noise.
I would find myself going into social media to ‘do some work’ or ‘reply to my friend’ and next minute I’m down the rabbit hole, and don’t feel too good about myself when I finally emerged.
A simple yet powerful shift I made was removing social media from my phone. Instead, I keep it on my iPad, which I only use at certain times of the day. This means I’m not distracted by notifications while I’m out with my kids or in the middle of a moment that deserves my full attention. It’s been a game-changer in allowing me to stay engaged, aware, and truly present with them. And yes, whilst I still sometimes grab the ipad and get into a little bit of doomscrolling, I find it is at less critical moments such as when I am out at a playdate with a friend, or attending my daughter’s dance classes. The distraction is gone and I’m able to settle back into the present moment.
2. Embrace the Little Moments
Presence isn’t just about removing distractions—it’s about noticing the magic in the ordinary. The way their tiny hands wrap around yours, the belly laughs at bedtime, the way they mispronounce words in the cutest ways. These are the moments that make up a childhood.
Try slowing down and fully immersing yourself in these little moments. Instead of rushing through bathtime, enjoy the splashy giggles. Instead of hurrying them through breakfast, sit with them, listen to their stories, and soak up their messy morning faces. These are the moments you’ll long for one day.
Practically, I take a deeeeeep long breath, and will often use grounding techniques. Think about what I can feel, what I can see, what I can hear, or what I can taste. This brings me back to the present. Helps me stop worrying about money, or planning birthday parties, and notice what is going on right in front of me.
3. Photograph with Intention
As a photographer and a mama, I deeply believe in the power of capturing memories. But there’s a fine line between being the documenter of your children’s childhood and being so caught up in taking the perfect photo that you miss the moment itself.
That’s why I encourage photographing with intention. Instead of using your phone as a distraction, let it be a tool to pull you further into the present. When you take a photo, do it with love and awareness—capture the messy, the real, the in-between. These are the images that will hold the heart of your motherhood journey.
‘Do’ – use your phone as a tool to soak up a moment which is already happening and appreciate it fully, knowing it is something you will want to look back on one day
‘Don’t’ – interrupt fun play moments for your kids and force them to say ‘cheese’ and smile at the camera.
This is exactly why I created Mamastalgia—to help mamas preserve their everyday moments in a way that feels natural and true to life. A quick snap of them twirling in the afternoon light, their little hand in yours, or the way they curl up on the couch—these are the photos you will love until infinity.
4. Be Present at Family Photos
Family photos are more than just posed pictures—they are an opportunity to connect, embrace, and celebrate your family as it is in this moment. Instead of stressing about perfect outfits or whether the kids will behave, take it as a chance to slow down and truly engage. Laugh, play, hold your little ones close, and let your photographer capture the real emotions. These sessions are not just about the final images but about creating meaningful moments together. Want to plan your dream photos? get in touch.
5. Set Boundaries with Your Time
Motherhood is demanding, and it’s easy to feel like there’s never enough time. But sometimes, presence isn’t just about what you remove—it’s about how you intentionally structure your day. Setting clear boundaries around work, chores, and personal time can help you carve out uninterrupted, quality time with your little ones.
Try designating “phone-free” times, like during meals or outdoor play. Schedule one-on-one time with each child, even if it’s just 10 minutes of undivided attention. Protecting these moments allows you to be fully present and engaged. Perhaps made the small shift from watching a TV show to reading a book together.
6. Embrace Slower Living
Rushing from one activity to the next can leave both you and your little ones feeling stressed and disconnected. I am GUILTY of this!!! Like sooooo guilty. Instead of filling your calendar to the brim, try embracing a slower pace. Leave space for spontaneous play, quiet cuddles, and unstructured time together. When we stop hurrying, we create more room for meaningful connection and joy.
If you have an overactive brain, this one can be really difficult. I see you mama. Take one little step at a time towards a slower life. 2024 was a big year for me to take a step back, I gave up a lot of my responsibilities which had piled up, and allowed some moments to breathe in my day. I would say I am on a journey here, but have certainly come a long way.
I was speaking with a friend about this as I am wanting to include an episode about slow living on my Mamastalgia Podcast, and she said “so are you getting a guest in for that episode”. Hahha love some challenging feedback from a friend!!
7. Get Outside Together
Nature has a way of grounding us, slowing time, and bringing us back to what matters. Whether it’s a walk around the neighbourhood, a picnic in the backyard, or a beach day, being outdoors naturally encourages connection and mindfulness.
When you’re outside with your kids, resist the urge to multi-task. Leave your phone in your bag, breathe in the fresh air, and simply be with them. Listen to their giggles, watch the way they explore, and let yourself be fully immersed in their world.
Have you ever noticed how the arguments between siblings just melt away in the outdoors? It is replaced with curiosity and collaboration. Plus, mama, you deserve some fresh air too. Grab a coffee and the pram, or the kids’ bikes, and go on an adventure.
8. Give Yourself Grace
There will be days when you feel like you weren’t present enough. Days when you were too tired, too overwhelmed, or too distracted. And that’s okay. Motherhood is not about perfection—it’s about showing up, again and again, with love.
Give yourself grace on the hard days. Presence isn’t about never getting distracted or never needing a break. It’s about returning, over and over, to what matters most.
Soak It All In
One day, we’ll look back on these years and realise they were the good old days. The sticky fingers, the sleepy cuddles, the endless calls of “Mama, watch me!”—these are the moments that make up the heart of motherhood.
So let’s put down our phones a little more. Let’s be here, fully and wholeheartedly. Let’s soak up the beautiful chaos, the deep love, the fleeting magic. Because these days? They won’t last forever—but the memories we create will.
I wish to end with this. Please be kind to yourself. Whilst I have just outlined so many ways to be more present, the pressure to be present has never been so harsh on mums. Make small adjustments, but don’t dwell in an an anxiety about your littles growing. There are so many beautiful things to come.
Id love to hear in the comments, which tip do you think you will implement today? xx
Courtney
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