Currently, screens are an essential part of our daily lives and have a strong impact on daily life, which affects the connection between parents and children. Physical presence may exist, but emotional presence requires active and consistent efforts. Technology speeds up communication, but does not guarantee its quality, and can strengthen or weaken relationships. It is essential to strengthen the family bond, and true participation is only expressed when ties are not superficial. Small acts, often seen as simple routines, become valuable memories that we carry for a long time. This is what this article focuses on, by differentiating physical and emotional presence. At the end, the reader will have understood the essence of family rituals, the harmony between members and how everyone connects and also differentiates themselves through technology.
Emotional presence goes beyond being close
Emotional presence is the basis for children to grow up healthy and happy. It’s not just about being physically present, but about being available for attention, empathy and understanding. By showing love and emotional support, children tend to develop high self-esteem and a sense of security that boost psychological health. This involves actively listening and validating the child, rather than minimizing their concerns.
Even when parents are physically present, their emotional presence is of a different order. It is possible to be by your child’s side and still be emotionally absent, something common when a parent is immersed in their smartphone or other digital distractions. Emotional presence is full attention: it is listening to understand your children’s emotions, not just listening. This experience keeps the family bond strong and balanced.
Cultivating emotional presence in the digital age is challenging but possible. The idea is to disconnect and create moments without connection. Make time for screen-free activities like family dinner, playing games, showing interest in your children’s hobbies and feelings, and dedicating genuine, quality time. Small changes promote children’s emotional well-being and create a loving and welcoming environment in which everyone feels accepted and valued.
Rituals that create memories and strengthen bonds
The basis of lasting family memories are simple acts that, when they become habits, soothe and shape the emotional life of the family. In the midst of the rush, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters, which is why we must preserve the moments that bring us closer and allow us to build deep bonds.
Family rituals are great for strengthening the relationship between parents and children. They bring order and predictability and give everyone a sense of worth. The essential thing is that they are organized and frequent. Small actions, such as leaving affectionate notes in the lunch box, reading a bedtime story and asking how the day was, are crucial and generate unforgettable memories, with lasting impacts on the child’s emotional well-being as they grow. Daily bonds help create an environment where everyone is important and deserves attention.
Technology: villain or family ally?
Technology impacts family relationships and, without clear boundaries, can erode emotional bonds. Excessive use of devices and social networks reduces emotional connection despite physical presence, harms the quality of conversation and empathy, and creates grounds for pressure and anxiety about comparisons, especially among teenagers, who try to fit into images that are often unrealistic. While it offers countless benefits, it’s important to remember that the most meaningful moments rarely happen in front of a screen. Creating technology-free spaces at home, with device-free areas, encourages conversations and interaction. In online activities, instead of avoiding technology entirely, families can share videos, movies and calls with distant relatives, which helps create new memories and strengthen bonds.
In an increasingly digital world, where most interactions occur through a screen, parents and children need to prioritize real connection. Emotional presence is essential to building a healthy bond that guarantees love and security, despite technological distractions. There is a crucial difference between physical and emotional presence: simply being there does not guarantee a strong bond. Deep emotional involvement creates a solid foundation among family members. Small gestures and traditions have a big impact on creating affectionate memories. With full attention and quality time, children feel and understand how much they are loved and valued, without depending on big events. Finally, technology, despite the challenges, can bring families together when limits are established and face-to-face conversations are valued. Therefore, there is no need to give up digital advantages, just incorporate them consciously into a sustainable routine. In short, emotional presence, rituals and the balanced use of technology make a difference in building a connected family environment. It is this genuine bond that will allow children to grow up in a digital world with firm roots in family affection and understanding.
Amalia Antunes Nogueira – CRP 06/216121
Psychologist
Specialized in Positive Psychology and Grief Therapy
