MOMCON 2024: A Heartfelt Journey of Connection and Self-Discovery

When I first signed up for MOMCON 2024, I thought it stood for "Mom Convention." While technically true, the event is short for Mom Connect, and it truly lived up to its name. This wasn’t just a gathering of moms; it was an empowering, soul-touching experience that felt more like a retreat for the heart and mind. It brought together mothers and parents from all walks of life, offering a safe space to reflect, learn, and grow in ways I never expected.

From the moment I stepped into the venue, I felt the energy—warm, nurturing, and real. The day started with a session about connecting to ourselves, something that resonated deeply with me. As moms, we’re often so consumed with taking care of everyone else that we forget to check in with ourselves. What makes us whole? What brings us true joy and fulfillment? These were some of the things posed by the speakers, and they hit home.

It wasn’t about the accolades we’ve earned, the roles we play, or the expectations we meet. It was about rediscovering our core—our purpose beyond being a mother, wife, sister, or daughter. And for many of us, that purpose is a blurry, elusive thing. This session reminded us that self-care is not selfish; it’s essential. One concept that struck me was the idea of Fight and Flight vs. Rest and Digest. As moms, we’re often in “fight or flight” mode—constantly juggling crises or anticipating the next issue to solve. But to truly connect with ourselves and our children, we need to shift into a state of “rest and digest,” where calmness and intentionality can thrive.

Co-Regulation: The Power of Staying Calm

One of the most impactful ideas was the concept of co-regulation—the idea that when your child’s emotional storm meets your calm, it creates a space for growth and healing. It’s easier said than done, but this resonated deeply with me. As parents, we are often the emotional anchors of our families, and our ability to stay composed during their turbulent moments teaches them how to navigate their own emotions.

One of the speakers also emphasized the profound role of music—a powerful tool to calm, inspire, and connect—not just for children but for parents as well. During the session, they presented studies that demonstrated how music could ignite brain functions and even enhance learning during pregnancy. The research revealed that exposing unborn children to soothing melodies or rhythmic patterns could stimulate neural development and foster emotional regulation later in life. For growing children, music has been shown to improve focus, memory, and even social skills, making it a versatile resource for parenting.

This reaffirmed the importance of engaging all our senses when building meaningful connections with our children. Music is more than just background noise; it’s an emotional language that bridges gaps words cannot fill. Whether it’s a soft lullaby to soothe a crying baby, a playful tune to encourage movement and learning, or a calming playlist to create a serene atmosphere at home, music becomes a shared experience that strengthens bonds.

Hearing this during the session felt like a validation of my own experiences. I’ve often turned to music—particularly low-frequency sounds—to help manage my anxiety and sleeplessness. The gentle hum of a low tone or the rhythmic waves of instrumental melodies have been my refuge during tough times. Music doesn’t just heal; it transforms. It brings clarity when the mind feels cluttered and peace when the soul feels restless.

TEST: Time, Empathy, Senses, and Touchpoints

A practical takeaway was the concept of TEST—Time, Empathy, Senses, and Touchpoints. These are the invaluable gifts we can give our children to show how deeply they matter. It’s not about grand gestures or material possessions but about being truly present, listening with intention, and creating moments of genuine connection. These moments, seemingly simple, lay the foundation for core memories that our children will carry with them throughout their lives.

As parents, the memories we help create today—whether it’s sharing a meal, a heartfelt conversation, or a comforting hug—become a part of the legacy our children bring to their own families. These core memories are more than fleeting; they are seeds of love, security, and resilience that can span generations. Imagine the warmth of a bedtime story you shared with your child being passed down to your grandchildren, or the empathy you demonstrated inspiring your child to raise their own children with kindness and understanding.

As one speaker beautifully said, “Good learners come from good facilitators.” Our role is not just to teach but to foster an environment where curiosity, confidence, and emotional intelligence can thrive. When we focus on TEST—giving our Time, showing Empathy, engaging the Senses, and creating Touchpoints—we aren’t just parenting in the present; we’re shaping the future of generations to come.

Parenting in a Modern World

Parenting today is vastly different from how we were raised. Gone are the days when obedience was the only measure of a “good child.” Today’s generation asks questions, expects answers, and thrives on understanding the “why” behind decisions. As parents, we need to adapt and become role models who walk the talk, providing rational explanations while setting healthy boundaries.

One poignant reminder was that tolerance is not acceptance. It’s not enough to tolerate our children’s feelings, interests, or choices; we need to embrace and celebrate who they are. This kind of acceptance builds trust and fosters a deeper connection.

The session also touched on technology’s role in parenting, noting that yesterday’s statistics are today’s algorithms. We are raising children in a world driven by data, but we need to ensure they aren’t just consumers of technology but critical thinkers and creators. The discussion about Artificial Intelligence (AI) was particularly enlightening. While AI won’t replace human creativity, it can enhance what we do, offering tools to expand our potential and help us innovate.

A Bigger Picture: Shaping the Future

The final part of the day focused on connecting to the world and understanding our role in shaping the next generation. This wasn’t just about parenting techniques but about addressing the root causes of generational trauma and societal pressures. Many parents carry the weight of their own unresolved childhood issues, which can unintentionally influence how they raise their children. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward breaking them.

We were reminded that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. Every family’s journey is unique, shaped by its challenges and realities. Judging other parents or children based on surface-level observations is unfair. Instead, we should approach one another with compassion and understanding, recognizing that everyone is doing their best with the resources they have.

My Takeaway

As the day came to a close, I found myself wishing for more. One day wasn’t enough to unpack everything this experience had to offer. It made me realize how much work we, as mothers, need to do—not just for our children but for ourselves.

MOMCON wasn’t just a series of talks or workshops. It was a CALL TO ACTION. A reminder that we, as mothers, are enough, no matter how messy or complicated our journeys may feel. We are the backbone of our families, the quiet strength behind our children’s successes, and the unshakable force that keeps everything together.

I walked away inspired, hopeful, and determined. I look forward to future events, retreats, and discussions that will continue to empower moms like me. To all the moms out there: you are enough, you are beautiful, and you matter more than you know. Let’s keep connecting, learning, and growing—together.

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Special thanks to Mommy Mundo for inviting The Mother Boss. You can also check here to see the sponsors who made this event a success.