The Art of Being Present: What Kids Really Want From Their Dad

There’s a lie a lot of dads buy into without even realizing it that being “present” means just being in the room. But ask any kid and they’ll tell you, presence isn’t about proximity, it’s about attention. It’s eye contact, it’s being on the floor with them, it’s answering their millionth “why?” like it’s the first time they’ve asked.

I used to think I was doing a good job of being around. I’d check emails with my toddler climbing on me, or hold the baby while scrolling through TikTok. But I started to notice that my son would say, “Dad, put you phone down” more often than I was comfortable with. It hit me: I wasn’t really there.

So I started small. Ten minutes of focused play, phone out of reach. One bedtime story without multitasking. Sitting with my son while he built his chaotic LEGO set and just watching, not correcting, not suggesting, just being there. It changed everything! His behavior shifted. Our connection deepened. It didn’t take a huge overhaul. Just intentionality.

Being present isn’t a personality trait. It’s a skill you can build. Start with what you can handle. Set a 15-minute timer and give your full attention to your kid. Let that be enough. Because that’s what they remember, that you looked them in the eyes and laughed at their joke and made them feel like the most important person in the world.

Presence is the legacy we leave. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t trend. But it’s the thing your kid will bring up in when they are older…in the best way possible.