I used to hear it all the time.
“Enjoy it. Time goes by so fast.”
“You’ll blink and they’ll be grown.”
“Put your phone down. You’ll regret not being present.”
And I believed them… but not fully. Not until I became a mom myself.
Now? I get it. Deeply.
These days, I’m incredibly intentional about how I spend my weekends — especially with my children. My phone is away. Notifications are off. The outside world can wait. Because my kids? They can’t.
Being Present Is a Choice (And One I Take Seriously)
In a world where we’re constantly connected, being present with your children takes effort. It’s not accidental. It’s a decision you have to make over and over again.
On weekends, I choose to be fully present.
No scrolling while they play.
No answering emails mid-conversation.
No half-listening while my mind is somewhere else.
Just me and them.
Because childhood is fleeting. And I refuse to miss it.
Intentional Motherhood Over Hustle Culture
There was a time when I felt guilty for slowing down. For not always being “productive.” For choosing connection over content.
But I’ve learned something important:
Presence is productive.
Spending quality time with my children — really seeing them, hearing them, laughing with them — is one of the most meaningful investments I’ll ever make.
This is what intentional motherhood looks like to me:
- Being emotionally available
- Creating memories instead of documenting every second
- Choosing connection over distraction
- Letting my kids feel seen, heard, and safe
And yes — that often means my phone stays far away.
The Weekends Are Sacred in Our Home
Weekends aren’t about schedules or pressure here. They’re about:
- Slow mornings
- Messy play
- Long conversations
- Laughter that fills the house
- Little moments that won’t last forever
I’ve learned that kids don’t need extravagant plans or constant entertainment. They need you. Your attention. Your presence. Your love.
And they feel it when you’re distracted — even if they don’t say it.
Time Really Does Pass Too Fast
My mommy friends were right.
Time doesn’t just pass — it disappears.
One day you’re rocking them to sleep, and the next they’re running ahead of you, independent and sure of themselves. These seasons are short. Painfully short.
So I’m choosing to soak them in.
To remember the sound of their laughter.
The way they mispronounce words.
The way they reach for my hand without thinking.
Because one day… they won’t.
Why I Put My Phone Down for My Kids
I’m not anti-technology. I’m not unrealistic. But I am intentional.
My children deserve my undivided attention — not the leftovers after my phone gets the best of me.
Putting my phone down on weekends allows me to:
- Be emotionally present
- Strengthen our bond
- Model healthy boundaries with technology
- Create a safe, loving environment
- Build memories that actually last
And honestly? It’s grounding for me too.
Final Thoughts on Being an Intentional Mom
Motherhood has taught me that the most valuable thing I can give my children isn’t things, experiences, or even answers.
It’s my time.
So if you’ve been feeling the pull to slow down… to unplug… to be more present — this is your sign.
Put the phone down.
Look at them.
Hold them a little longer.
Because time really does go by fast — and these moments are everything.
xxxooooxoxxxoooxxx,
AMBER LINDSAY M
