The world is moving at a faster pace, which means that parenting today often calls for greater intention, presence, and patience than ever before.

For Martine Cajucom-Ho, Nikki Gil-Albert, Pauleen Luna-Sotto, and Stephanie Zubiri, the focus is no longer on doing everything perfectly, but on showing up with intention. From offering grace and staying curious to practicing deep presence and attunement, these four mothers share the values guiding how they parent today. Their reflections are gentle reminders that sometimes, the most meaningful gift we can give our children is simply to be fully present as we step into 2026.

Both for my children and for myself—especially on days that don’t go as planned. I tend to be a perfectionist, and I’ve realized how easily that mindset can carry over into my parenting. My husband often reminds me that our children are still learning and growing, just as I’m still growing as a mother, and that I don’t need to be so hard on myself. Over time, I’ve seen better results when I lead with compassion while still maintaining structure. Grace reminds me that I don’t need to be a perfect parent to be a present one. It also allows me to relinquish control to God, trusting that He loves my children even more than I do and that it was never all up to me. Because of that, I can breathe a little, loosen my grip, and truly enjoy parenting more.—Nikki Gil-Albert, mom of Maddie, 4, and Finn, 8

My daughter Penelope is five, endlessly curious, and so clever. She asks big, complex questions about life—why things are the way they are, how people feel, and where ideas come from. My parenting intention for 2026 is to meet her curiosity with curiosity of my own. Instead of rushing to provide answers, I want to stay open, explore alongside her, and let her questions lead us.

These are such formative years, when her mind is flexible, imaginative, and absorbing everything so quickly. I want to show her the world, teach her what I can, and also remind myself that learning doesn’t have to be serious to be meaningful. This season of her life is about play, joy, discovery, and wonder. By nurturing her curiosity, I’m also protecting her sense of joy—and making sure we’re having fun together as we grow.—Martine Cajucom-Ho, mom to Penelope, 5

In this fast-paced world where we, the parents, juggle endless responsibilities, it is easy to forget to give our children what they truly need—and that is time, attention, and proper guidance.—Pauleen Luna-Sotto, mom to Tali, 7, and Mochi, 1

⁣My goal is to lessen the micromanaging and increase calm consistency. Responding instead of reacting (such a tough one), so that my kids can grow, make choices, and learn—with me keeping them anchored in boundaries that support them. I have two teens, and they need to learn to be more independent, especially from me. I pray that all the mothering over the years keeps them rooted in values while respecting the limits that will provide a sense of ease in our household.—Amanda Griffin-Jacob. mom to Kieran, 15, Kalon, 13, Lila, 10, and Kyle, 7

It’s about deep energetic connection and presence. In Reiki, an attunement is a conscious opening—a way of honoring energy and meeting it exactly where it is. That’s how I wish to parent.

For me, it means seeing my children fully as individuals, not as extensions of myself or of who I think they should be. It’s listening not just with my ears, but with my intuition and my heart. It’s a deep, soulful connection.

Attunement asks: What do you need right now? Who are you becoming in this season? And how can I be most present and gently guiding, without rushing you forward or wishing you back?

I used to spend so much time lost in the nostalgia of their smallness, of the time when they were babies. It brought me so much sadness. But when I finally accepted who they are right now, at this age, I was able to meet them wholly—with love, tenderness, and awe.

So for me, attunement is about releasing the pull of the past and the anxiety of the future, and choosing to be fully connected to who they are today. From that place, I believe children feel safe enough—and, most importantly, seen enough—to become their most radiant selves.—Stephanie Zubiri, founder of wellness and empowerment platform Soulful Feasts, mom to Sebastian, 11, and Max, 9