Having what I call the “right here right now” mindset is a foundational value here at Playvolution HQ. Caregivers need to be present. This concept isn’t just about showing up physically but about engaging fully in the present moment with the children in your care. And while it sounds simple, we all know it’s anything but easy.

The caregivers’ job is to be
Right Here Right Now

Why Being Present Is Challenging

Life comes at us fast. Responsibilities pile up, people depend on us, and our minds dart from one task to the next. There’s a schedule to adhere to, paperwork that demands attention, and a gaggle of dependent children eager for our attention. We’re constantly pulled in different directions—thinking about the next activity, dwelling on past interactions, or daydreaming about the weekend.

But young children thrive on our attention. They need us to be with them, fully and completely, in the moments we share. And the younger they are, the more this attentiveness matters.

What Being Present Looks Like

Being present means letting go of distractions. It’s about resisting the urge to rush to the next thing because the clock says you should or allowing yourself to drift into rehashing yesterday’s frustrations with Breckin’s Mom. Instead, it’s about asking yourself, “What can I do for these children, right here and right now, to make this environment more supportive of their development and better meet their needs?”

It doesn’t mean ignoring the challenges or pretending they don’t exist. That paperwork still needs to be done, and schedules must be followed. It’s more about minimizing the pull on your attention when children need you most. It’s about prioritizing the real needs of the actual humans you are sharing space with. Activities like helping Beatrice win the wrestling match with her jacket sleeve or giving Bernie eye contact and a heartfelt smile while changing his diaper should be prioritized.

The Reality of Imperfection

Achieving a “right here right now” presence 100% of the time is impossible. No one can completely shut out the noise of life. And that’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress. Maybe you’re currently present 40% of the time—what would it look like to reach 50%? Or 80%?

Every baby step toward being more fully “right here right now” makes a difference. Don’t beat yourself up for the moments when your mind drifts; celebrate the times when you’re more fully “right here right now.”

Taking Action

Start looking for opportunities to be more “right here right now” with the children in your care. Notice when your mind wanders and gently brings it back to the present. It’s a simple practice, but simple does not mean easy. Like all practices, it takes time and effort to improve. Don’t beat yourself up when you fall short of the mark; celebrate the successes.

Investing more time in self-care is another way to spend more of your work time “right here right now”. You’re a better version of yourself when you’re well-rested and have devoted some attention to your needs. Many early learning professionals struggle with “right here right now” because they consistently put their self-care needs on the back burner. It’s hard to continually meet the needs of others when you rarely meet your own needs.

Wrap-Up

The “right here right now” mindset isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. No one can be present 100% of the time, and that’s okay. Start today by noticing when your mind wanders and gently returning it to the present.

Click the image for a list of books supporting large blocks of uninterrupted time for child-led play and exploration and other core Playvolution HQ values.

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