Toddler’s fears vanishing at the pool the moment he sees mom is proof that showing up for your kids matters

Sometimes, even the greatest obstacles in life can fade away with the support of loved ones, particularly parents. Their presence alone can provide comfort and healing, even if they can't directly solve the challenges you face. This support often works in ways we may not even recognize. On a similar note, Ana Vaz Guedes Dewerbe, who goes by @anadewerbe on TikTok, shared a heartwarming video, capturing how just her mere presence instantly made her toddler, Salvador, feel better and more confident.

In the wholesome video, Salvador, 2, stood near the swimming pool, wanting to take the plunge, clearly overwhelmed with fear. However, everything changed the moment he spotted his mother. In the blink of an eye, Salvador smiled as if everything was alright and there was no reason to be scared. Simultaneously, the overlay text on the screen read, "Proof that showing up matters." The TikTok video received an amazing response on social media, with several netizens talking about how the kid instantly felt more at ease when he saw his mother near him.

For instance, @cindacompton commented, "Showing up absolutely does matter, no matter their age. Seeing that smile on my son's face as a child, teenager, and even as an adult when he sees me there melts my heart." @abiyestiphanos wrote, "To be honest, as an adult right now, I have the same feeling as this kid: I want someone to be right by my side when hard times come." @merry_poppy shared, "I got the most beautiful smile every time my son competed in a swimming competition and he noticed me being there for him! Precious moments in life." @maggie1997_ revealed, "I’m not a mum, but I know I’ll show up every time like you’re doing. I work at a preschool, and once a 4-year-old told me he loved me—my heart melted. Little ones don’t fake their emotions, which makes it [all the more special]."

Similarly, @winshanniel pointed out, "He saw his pillar of strength, and it all became easier and better. My future kids will know how it feels to be truly loved and supported." @sheenashynz750 shared a personal anecdote and wrote, "I can't forget the time my single mom showed up on my debating day, giving me a strong courage that I became the best presenter in our district." @leerooy7 shared a heart-wrenching childhood story and wrote, "My mom never showed up for me, and I promised to always show up for my son as long as I'm breathing." @gomidizer5, a mother herself, revealed, "I try so hard to make it to every single thing my kids have; I have three, and it gets hard, but seeing their face when they see me is worth it every time. They’re older now, and I miss this."

On the other hand, @jesslo6991 revealed, "I’ll always be there for my baby no matter what, even if it costs me my job. It’s the small (or any, really) moments that matter the most to our kids that have the biggest impact." Talking to Newsweek, Dewerbe shared that the now-viral video captured a special moment between them and proved how parents being present for their kids gives them confidence and reassurance. She added, "This video is a reminder of how much it means to them when we're there."

You can follow Ana Vaz Guedes Dewerbe (@anadewerbe) on TikTok for more parental content.