Blessed, Stressed, and Totally PresentEpisode Summary How do we stay present to our children, our vocation, and God when we’re sleep-deprived, overwhelmed, and pulled in a dozen directions? Annie and Hailey explore the daily struggle to live in the present moment, grounded in agape love and Christ’s invitation to trust the Father with tomorrow. They share practical changes they’ve made, reflect on what our children really need from us, and close with St. Faustina’s Prayer for the Present Moment. Key Themes Agape is the foundation of motherhood. Most of us don’t struggle to love our kids. We struggle to know how to show up for them in daily life.Presence says “I see you.” Eye contact and undivided attention communicate dignity and love.Being present is not a new problem. Jesus constantly tells us not to worry about tomorrow. “Give us this day our daily bread.”Technology is a tool, not the enemy. The real question is what we reach for when we’re anxious, bored, or avoiding something hard.Our kids mostly want us. Not a perfect house or a perfect schedule.Discussion Highlights Hailey’s anxiety isn’t about her children themselves, but about the to-do list, work deadlines, and whether she’s measuring up as a mother and homemaker.Her Catechesis of the Good Shepherd training reminded her that parents are the primary educators of their children. She can’t control her kids’ faith, but she can prepare the environment so God can meet them there.She met a woman whose family traveled the country for a year, then settled on rural Texas land. Hailey concluded that you don’t have to move to be present. God calls her to the moment she’s in, in her own home.Hailey’s three-year-old asked his dad, “Does your teacher have the same eyes? My teacher has beautiful eyes.” In the atrium, children and teachers greet each other with eye contact and a handshake. It made Hailey ask whether she really looks at her son when she speaks to him.Annie shares how her teenagers often get compliments from engaged couples for looking people in the eye and shaking hands.After a big tantrum, Hailey’s son said, “Mama, I just want to be with you.” As the family became more connected, his challenging behaviors faded.Practical Tips Delete or limit social media if you reach for it when anxious or bored. Hailey stresses this is for her season, not a rule for everyone.Turn off notifications except calls and texts.Set “office hours” for email and texts, and be at peace with slower replies.Keep a running list of random urges (curtains, Pinterest) and visit it at a set time each week. Often you’ll find you were just filling a void.When you need a break, grab your Bible and go outside instead of reaching for your phone.Invite little ones into your work. “I need to finish the dishes, then I’ll be free to play. Want to help?” Let them sit near you, even if it’s messy.Keep devices off the dinner table. Protect family meals and game nights as sacred space.With teens, stay available. Leave the lamp on, and don’t skip the “pointless” conversation, because the real one often comes 15 minutes later.Correct behaviors in toddlers that you wouldn’t want to see in a teenager.Your Turn Share your tricks for staying present, or what your kids have said when you made the effort. Email us or leave a comment. Keep giving God your fiat in the mess.
