Savoring the Good

March 21, 2025

Principles

I founded Moment for Parents six years ago today. As a founder, I often get caught up in all the things I haven’t done yet—the goals still ahead, the milestones still out of reach. But today, I’m making space to appreciate how far I’ve come.

It made me realize: we need more of these reflection moments in parenting, too. So much of parenting revolves around planning ahead—what’s next on the to-do list, what’s for dinner, when is the next registration date for [fill-in-the-blank] activity. But when you pause to savor the small, meaningful moments with your kids, you refuel yourself with gratitude and connection.

One simple way to practice this is by replaying a small moment of shared connection. Maybe it’s when you soothed your child in a tough moment. Ask yourself:

  • What feelings showed up for your child in this moment?
  • How did your child benefit from this moment of comfort?
  • What feelings showed up for you in the moment?
  • What does it feel like to revisit this moment now?

These tiny reflections can uncover wells of joy that often get buried in busy days. And when you intentionally linger in the good, you build up resilience to carry you through the harder moments.

Here are a few ways to make the most of these positive snapshots:

  • Share them out loud with someone you trust—joy grows when shared.
  • Take a quick photo (mental or real) so you can revisit the memory later.
  • Give yourself credit for your wins, no matter how small.
  • Engage all your senses to stay grounded in the present moment.
  • Practice gratitude regularly—it shifts your whole perspective.

You don’t have to wait for a milestone to celebrate. There’s something worth savoring in the ordinary, every single day.

A Few Perspectives

As Pema Chödrön, Buddhist teacher and Author, beautifully puts it, taking a moment reconnects us to grandness of our world:

When we pause, allow a gap and breathe deeply, we can experience instant refreshment. Suddenly, we slow down, look out, and there's the world.

Carla Naumburg, clinical social worker and writer, reminds us how taking a moment is essential to the work of parenting:

Recognizing the importance of some head- and heart-space for ourselves is crucial to the work of parenting.

Pause for Reflection

When will you savor the good this weekend?

Continue this reflection in the Moment for Parents app.