Present Parents: Showing Up for Our Kids and Ourselves
We'd love to be parenting with presence.
Our lives are filled with pressure from all sides—work, spouse, friends, money, health, house, and all the rest. It's so hard to be a loving and intentional parent when distraction and stress keep getting in the way, and sometimes we just can't get ourselves out of feeling overwhelmed, irritable, and disconnected.
Our lives are filled with pressure from all sides—work, spouse, friends, money, health, house, and all the rest. It's so hard to be a loving and intentional parent when distraction and stress keep getting in the way, and sometimes we just can't get ourselves out of feeling overwhelmed, irritable, and disconnected.
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But there is a path that can lead us out of this feeling of absence. By deliberately practicing being present—mentally, interpersonally, and emotionally present—we can learn to pay attention to ourselves and our children in a whole new way, leading to a kind of parenting that feels empowered and responsive instead of stuck and shut down.
In the Present Parents Group, we come together to support each other in this practice. Over eight weeks, we'll shift into a new approach to family life, in which we slow down, observe what's happening inside us, and respond with resilience to the pressures of our homes and lives. Side by side with other parents who are committed to the same shift! Our goal is to equip ourselves with tangible practices that expand our awareness and capacity as parents. During our time together, we'll work on skills like:
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The Present Parents group is for dads/moms/parents/caregivers of infants-to-high-schoolers who are ready to practice these skills in our lives. We ask that all participants plan to set aside 5-10 minutes per day to strengthen our shared commitment to putting concrete changes into practice.
Parents might find this group helpful if they are struggling with:
We look forward to welcoming you to this supportive group of parents!
Parents might find this group helpful if they are struggling with:
- Impatience, grumpiness, and anger at kids' behavior
- Feeling adrift and purposeless as a parent
- Shutting down during family time
- Guilt and perfectionism about doing more for the kids
- Ongoing distraction from phones, to-do lists, or work
- Managing aggravating sibling dynamics and family conflict
- Getting overwhelmed by the stress of holding it all together
We look forward to welcoming you to this supportive group of parents!
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Meet ZekeZeke Reich is a psychotherapist who helps parents and other adults move “from stress to growth.” As a father of three wonderful, intense kids, he has spent many years working on staying grounded and connected in the middle of stressful parenting situations, and this group is built on his conviction that all parents need a space to strengthen their ability to be present no matter what’s taking place at home.
In Present Parents, Zeke brings decades of experience as a Buddhist meditator and group facilitator to the work of building this space. His goal is to create a group where we can all support each other in a regular commitment to checking in, noticing what’s happening in ourselves and our kids, and bringing new intentionality to our parenting. Please note that this group is not intended to provide psychotherapy or health care, and unfortunately isn’t reimbursable by health insurance. |
Upcoming Present Parent Groups:
Fall Present Parents Group (Virtual)
Dates: Fridays, October 2 - December 11, 2026 (8 weeks) - no meetings October 23, November 13, and November 27
Time: 12:00-1:00pm
Facilitator: Zeke Reich
Dates: Fridays, October 2 - December 11, 2026 (8 weeks) - no meetings October 23, November 13, and November 27
Time: 12:00-1:00pm
Facilitator: Zeke Reich
Cost: We offer a sliding scale where you can choose the registration rate that best aligns with your circumstances:
Standard Rate — $350 — Covers our expenses and keeps the collective on a sustainable path
Reduced Rate* — $300 — For those who need financial support
Pay It Forward Rate — $375 — For those who can afford to pay a little more to support our scholarship program
*If you would like to participate but the cost of the group at the reduced rate is a challenge or you would like to set-up a payment plan please complete our scholarship request form or contact us.
Standard Rate — $350 — Covers our expenses and keeps the collective on a sustainable path
Reduced Rate* — $300 — For those who need financial support
Pay It Forward Rate — $375 — For those who can afford to pay a little more to support our scholarship program
*If you would like to participate but the cost of the group at the reduced rate is a challenge or you would like to set-up a payment plan please complete our scholarship request form or contact us.
Additional Present Parents groups will start throughout the year. If you’re interested in a future group, please submit the form below and we'll be in touch to confirm your interest and include you in our next group.
We strive to host groups that are inclusive, accessible spaces for all parents, including those with disabilities, to engage in. If you have an accessibility need please mention it in the form below and we'll follow up with you directly.
We strive to host groups that are inclusive, accessible spaces for all parents, including those with disabilities, to engage in. If you have an accessibility need please mention it in the form below and we'll follow up with you directly.
Present Parents FAQ
Who can join?
We welcome ALL dads/moms/parents/caregivers and embrace diversity in background, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, etc.
How many people will be in my group? What will they be like?
Each group will have between 4 and 8 parents, all with an active intention to bring more awareness into their lives as parents and to support others in doing the same.
What if I need accommodations for a disability?
We strive to host groups that are inclusive, accessible spaces for all parents, including those with disabilities, to engage in. If you have an accessibility need please mention it in the registration form and we'll follow up with you directly.
What do we do during the sessions?
Each meeting, we’ll do a short activity together to practice presence, and then have time for discussion of our ongoing work putting the skills of this group into action in our lives.
Is this group open to all parents? Why is it part of an organization focused on "Mamas?"
The Mama Love Collective began as a mom-focused community, but we’ve been expanding! Our Men With Babies and Fatherhood as Path groups are specifically for fathers, and the Present Parents group is intended for parents of all gender identities.
Why should I join?
Many of us want to bring more conscious awareness into our lives as parents–but on our own, it’s so hard to keep our eye on this goal! Together, we can inspire each other to practice these skills regularly and integrate them into our lives.
Can I drop-in to one week or start mid-session?
Unfortunately, after the second session we aren’t able to have drop-ins or late starts because our goal is to connect and build a shared space for our practice. But keep your eye out for future offerings later this year!
What if I am going to miss a week? Is there a way to make up a session?
Due to the fixed length of the group, there are no make-ups.
What if I changed my mind? Can I get a refund?
Refunds (minus a processing fee) are available up to two weeks ahead of the start date. Cancellations made between two weeks and one week before the start of the group receive a 50% refund. No refunds are available after one week prior to the start date.
Can I give Present Parents as a gift?
Absolutely! It's a wonderful alternative to more "stuff." Simply contact us and we'll provide you with a personalized gift certificate.
Have another question? Please contact us.
We welcome ALL dads/moms/parents/caregivers and embrace diversity in background, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, etc.
How many people will be in my group? What will they be like?
Each group will have between 4 and 8 parents, all with an active intention to bring more awareness into their lives as parents and to support others in doing the same.
What if I need accommodations for a disability?
We strive to host groups that are inclusive, accessible spaces for all parents, including those with disabilities, to engage in. If you have an accessibility need please mention it in the registration form and we'll follow up with you directly.
What do we do during the sessions?
Each meeting, we’ll do a short activity together to practice presence, and then have time for discussion of our ongoing work putting the skills of this group into action in our lives.
Is this group open to all parents? Why is it part of an organization focused on "Mamas?"
The Mama Love Collective began as a mom-focused community, but we’ve been expanding! Our Men With Babies and Fatherhood as Path groups are specifically for fathers, and the Present Parents group is intended for parents of all gender identities.
Why should I join?
Many of us want to bring more conscious awareness into our lives as parents–but on our own, it’s so hard to keep our eye on this goal! Together, we can inspire each other to practice these skills regularly and integrate them into our lives.
Can I drop-in to one week or start mid-session?
Unfortunately, after the second session we aren’t able to have drop-ins or late starts because our goal is to connect and build a shared space for our practice. But keep your eye out for future offerings later this year!
What if I am going to miss a week? Is there a way to make up a session?
Due to the fixed length of the group, there are no make-ups.
What if I changed my mind? Can I get a refund?
Refunds (minus a processing fee) are available up to two weeks ahead of the start date. Cancellations made between two weeks and one week before the start of the group receive a 50% refund. No refunds are available after one week prior to the start date.
Can I give Present Parents as a gift?
Absolutely! It's a wonderful alternative to more "stuff." Simply contact us and we'll provide you with a personalized gift certificate.
Have another question? Please contact us.