Emotional Intelligence in an AI World Part 2

Part 2: What My Son Taught Me About Being Present (and What AI Never Could)

It was a typical Tuesday. I was on my laptop juggling lesson plans, emails, and prepping for an upcoming training. My son, ever patient, was trying to show me a Lego spaceship he built from scratch. “Cool, buddy,” I muttered without looking up. A few seconds later, he walked over and quietly closed my laptop.

“Can you see it now?” he asked.

My heart sank.

That moment broke something open in me. I realized that while I was physically present, emotionally — I was somewhere else entirely. My brain was with my to-do list, not my child. And the truth is, I teach this stuff. I talk to parents, teachers, and community leaders about being attuned and emotionally available. But that day, my son reminded me that EQ isn’t a checklist — it’s a choice we make, moment by moment.

Presence is a Form of Emotional Intelligence

Presence is more than proximity. It’s about tuning in — with our eyes, our tone, our energy. When we’re truly present, we signal to kids: You matter. I see you. I’m with you.

In coaching sessions with parents, I often hear the guilt. “I’m so busy.” “I feel like I’m only half-there.” And I get it — life is demanding. But here’s the truth: kids don’t need us to be perfect, they need us to be available. Even five minutes of true presence can reset connection.

Where AI Fails — And We Can Thrive

AI can deliver knowledge, instructions, even personalized feedback. But it can’t offer emotional resonance. It can’t pick up on the unspoken fear in a child’s eyes or sense the subtle shift when a kid is shutting down emotionally. Humans can.

That’s why presence matters more than ever. Because in a world of noise and notifications, our focused attention is a rare and powerful gift.

Three Presence Practices to Try This Week

1. The 5-Minute Check-In: Put your phone away. Make eye contact. Ask, “What was the best part of your day?” and just listen.
2. Name the Moment: Say, “I love being with you right now.” It anchors the experience and makes the connection explicit.
3. Transition Rituals: Whether it’s a bedtime chat or a high-five at drop-off, create small rituals that signal presence and care.

The Bottom Line

My son didn’t want a reaction. He wanted connection. And that’s something AI will never be able to give him. That’s our job — the sacred work of showing up, slowing down, and being fully human.