Definition: When a parent is physically and mentally dialed into their kid’s world—listening to Minecraft lore like it’s critical intel, actually examining scribbled art for two full minutes, or grilling them on “who you were kind to today” instead of robotically stuffing permission slips into backpacks.
It’s the opposite of distracted autopilot: eye contact during playground gossip, recalling their friend’s hamster’s name, or letting them oversleep to learn natural consequences. Basically, being emotionally stationed at Kid Central despite life’s chaos.
Example:
Dad paused dinner prep, knelt down, and listened intently to the intricate rules of the new playground game, asking clarifying questions about the ‘safe zones’.
Mom remembered Maya’s hamster was named Pickles and asked how Pickles was doing after the vet visit, genuinely waiting for the answer.