The new year often brings ambitious resolutions, but one mother's approach to 2026 is refreshingly different. Vidya Gowri Venkatesh, a working mom of two daughters, is choosing presence over perfection, and her heartfelt goals are resonating with parents everywhere.

Six years into motherhood, Venkatesh has discovered a beautiful truth: children don't want elaborate gifts or perfect parents. They simply want us there, fully present and engaged. Her elder daughter's request says it all: "Amma, please sit and play with me today!" Meanwhile, her younger daughter, still learning to speak, communicates the same desire through tight hugs the moment mom steps out of her office.

This realization has inspired Venkatesh to commit to one device-free hour of playtime with her children every single day. On weekends, she's dedicating undivided attention to both daughters—no phones, no distractions, just genuine connection. It's a commitment backed by science, too. Research consistently shows that children with actively involved parents enjoy better physical and mental health, stronger academic performance, enhanced social skills, and greater emotional security well into adulthood.

Beyond daily presence, Venkatesh is planning at least one family trip this year, recognizing that travel offers children irreplaceable learning experiences. Imagine reading about Dal Lake in a textbook, then actually standing beside its shimmering waters. These real-world connections transform abstract concepts into vivid, lasting memories while exposing children to diverse cultures, places, and people.

Her third commitment addresses a common parenting challenge: mealtime. Like many working parents, Venkatesh admits to sometimes relying on screen time to make feeding easier. But she's learned that distraction feeding can establish unhealthy eating patterns and contribute to childhood obesity. Instead, she's embracing family mealtimes as opportunities for connection, conversation, and modeling healthy habits.

This year, the family dining table welcomes storytelling and meaningful conversations while bidding farewell to screens. The goal isn't just about nutrition—it's about helping her daughters develop mindful relationships with food, understanding what their bodies need, and discovering what they genuinely enjoy eating.

What makes Venkatesh's approach so inspiring is its honesty and achievability. She's not claiming to have all the answers or pursuing impossible standards. Instead, she's taking things one day at a time, focusing on small, consistent actions that build strong foundations.

Her philosophy is both simple and profound: years from now, children may forget the toys they received, but they'll always remember how seen, heard, and loved they felt. It's about slowing down in a fast-paced world, showing up when it matters most, and choosing intention over exhaustion.

As Venkatesh beautifully puts it, this isn't about perfect parenting—it's about present parenting. One conversation at a time. One shared meal at a time. One moment of genuine connection at a time. For parents navigating similar journeys, her goals offer a hopeful reminder that the most meaningful gift we can give our children is ourselves, fully present and engaged in their lives.