Parents today have a lot on their plates. On top of trying to raise good kids , the stress of work, family issues and current events weighs heavily on their minds. Many are dealing with mental health struggles like anxiety, depression and burnout. Then theres the never-ending to-do list from grocery shopping to arranging carpools and playdates to finding a math tutor running through their heads at all times. With so much going on, its hardly a surprise that many parents struggle to be present with their kids.

Clinical psychologist Laura Markham author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids told HuffPost that the parents she works with are often so stressed that they find it hard to relax and just enjoy their little ones. All of the multitasking and worrying gets in the way of being able to really connect with their children.

Being present with our kids, she said, means were not only physically with them, but emotionally with them, too.

You are aware of them and responsive to them, Markham said. That means that you are not looking at your phone, reviewing what happened at work this morning or planning what youll make for dinner.