What small shifts in my daily behaviour can help me become more emotionally present for my child? 

Parenting Perspective 

Minor adjustments result in significant changes. During talks, start by maintaining undistracted eye contact. Bring yourself down to their level. Make more use of their name. When they get close, stop what you are doing. Say, I will give you my whole attention if you let me finish this, and mean it. During important times, including meals, drop-offs, and bedtime, keep your phone out of reach. These changes let your child know that they are important and not just background noise.

Spiritual Insight 

Presence is a spiritual state. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Ankaboot (29), Verse 45: 

‘… indeed, praying restrains (mankind) from immoralities and all those irrational actions; and the remembrance of Allah (Almighty) is the greatest (form of assistance and guidance for mankind)..‘

Remembrance is not limited to Salah; it includes presence in our duties. It is recorded in Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 917, that the Prophet’s ﷺ presence extended even into his prayer: 

‘He was leading the people in prayer with his granddaughter Umamah in his lap. When he prostrated, he put her down, and when he got up after prostration, he lifted her up.‘

To be present for your child is to reflect divine attentiveness in action.