LibraryScenariosWhen families discover that demanding presence creates the opposite effect
Scenario

When families discover that demanding presence creates the opposite effect

My family thinks Sunday dinners should be phone-free presence time, but my teenager says forcing her to be present just makes her resentful and more disconnected, and honestly I think she might be right. We all want connection but we're not sure how to create space for it without demanding it.

Laozi
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

A family is learning that true presence cannot be mandated and may require a completely different approach to togetherness.

Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Time and parenting — what it means to be there?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.