What if the goal of personal growth — and parenting — isn't to stay perfectly centered… but to return again when you drift away? In this episode, Ann explores a simple but powerful idea: the practice of leaving your center and coming back to it again and again. Inspired by a spiritual chant about returning to the "land of your soul," she connects this concept to meditation, parenting, and the way we navigate life's chaos. If you've ever told yourself you need to "be more present" with your kids but felt like you're failing at it, this conversation might bring a huge sense of relief. Because the truth is: presence isn't something we achieve and hold forever. It's something we practice returning to. Through stories from her own meditation practice and a recent group coaching conversation, Ann explores why presence can feel so hard — especially when life is messy — and why the answer isn't trying harder or judging yourself when you drift. It's simply learning to come back. Again and again. In This Episode

Why the practice of meditation is really about getting distracted and returning
The surprising reason "being present with your kids" feels so difficult
Why parenting is more about who you are being than what you're doing
How children learn calm and regulation through co-regulation
The difference between pushing yourself to be better and gently returning to your center
Why growth isn't about perfection — it's about reconnection

Key Takeaways 👉 Presence is not a permanent state. It's a practice of returning. 👉 The goal isn't to stay perfectly centered — it's to notice when you drift and come back. 👉 Your children don't need a perfect parent. They need a parent who can return to connection. 👉 The energy you cultivate in yourself becomes the energy your children learn to regulate around. 👉 Personal growth isn't about never going astray — it's about building the muscle of coming home again. Ann's Confession Ann shares how even during her daily meditation practice she spends most of the time distracted — planning, thinking, or mentally redecorating her basement. And that's actually the point. The real practice isn't staying focused. It's noticing when you've drifted… and returning again. Resources Mentioned 📘 Free Workbook: Getting Kids to Listen the First Time bit.ly/kidswholisten 📞 Book a Free Consultation with Ann bit.ly/kaplancall 🌿 Learn more about Ann's coaching Annkaplanparentcoach Parent Coach, IFS Practitioner & Enneagram Coach | Ann Kaplan Share This Episode Know a parent who feels like they're constantly trying to "do better" but still feels off track? Share this episode with them — it might be exactly the reminder they need: You don't have to be perfect. You just have to return again.

Why Being Present Feels So Hard as a Parent (and How to Return to Yourself)