Greg Wasz On How Video Journaling Helped Me Become a More Present Parent

Parenting in today’s world is fast-paced. There’s always something pulling at your attention—work, phones, responsibilities, schedules. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind and miss what’s happening right in front of you. For me, the turning point came when I started video journaling.

I didn’t begin with the intention of becoming more present. At first, it was just a way to document memories—to capture my kids growing up, our family trips, and everyday moments that I didn’t want to forget. But as time went on, I noticed something had shifted. Video journaling wasn’t just preserving memories. It was changing the way I experienced them in real time. It was helping me show up—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally—for my family.

The First Realization: I Was Missing Moments

Like many parents, I was constantly trying to do it all. I had my career to focus on, household responsibilities to juggle, and the daily rush of life to manage. I was there—but not always truly there. I’d find myself scrolling through my phone while my kids were playing, distracted during bedtime routines, or half-listening during dinner conversations.

Then one evening, I watched a short video I had filmed a few weeks earlier. It was just a regular night—my kids laughing while playing a game in the living room. But when I watched it back, I saw joy on their faces that I hadn’t fully taken in at the time. I was in the video too, but I wasn’t engaged. I was sitting on the couch, checking emails.

That hit me hard.

Video journaling gave me the chance to see my life from the outside. And what I saw was that I was often missing the very moments I was trying so hard to hold onto.

The Shift: From Documenting to Participating

After that realization, something changed. I stopped treating the camera as just a tool for capturing memories. I started using it as a way to ground myself in the moment.

Filming my family became a cue to slow down. When I picked up the camera, I paid attention. I noticed more—the way my daughter crinkled her nose when she laughed, how my son lit up when he told a story, or the quiet gestures between my wife and our kids.

Over time, I didn’t need the camera to stay present. The act of documenting helped train my mind to focus. I was becoming more intentional, more aware, and more engaged—not just when filming, but all the time.

The Unexpected Lessons from Behind the Camera

One of the most surprising things I learned was how much I could gain by observing. When you’re behind the lens, you start to notice small, beautiful details that you might otherwise miss. You learn to read between the lines—to feel the energy in a room, to recognize mood shifts, to appreciate the way your family interacts with one another.

And when you’re editing those videos later—piecing together clips from a day at the park or a lazy Sunday morning—you start to see patterns. You see what your kids are drawn to, how they respond to your attention (or lack of it), and how quickly they’re growing.

Video journaling became a form of reflection. It showed me what I was doing well as a parent and where I had room to grow. It made me want to be more present—not because I felt guilty, but because I saw how much I was missing when I wasn’t.

Creating Meaningful Rituals

The more I recorded, the more I realized that video journaling wasn’t just for me—it was for my family too. It became something we shared.

We started watching our videos together. Not polished, over-produced home movies—but short clips of everyday life. Laughing at old footage, remembering silly moments, and even tearing up at special memories. It created space for conversations, nostalgia, and deeper connection.

It also helped create new family rituals. My kids began asking, “Are you filming this?” and even helped decide what we’d record. They started taking the camera themselves sometimes, giving me a glimpse into their own view of the world.

Video journaling gave our family a shared project. Something personal and meaningful. Something that wasn’t just about documenting life, but about living it more fully together.

Letting Go of Perfection

One of the biggest lessons I learned through this journey is to let go of perfection. Not every video is great. Some are shaky, out of focus, or completely chaotic. But that’s life. That’s parenting. That’s real.

I stopped worrying about getting the “perfect shot” and focused more on the experience. In doing so, I also stopped holding myself to impossible standards as a parent. Watching those messy, honest moments back reminded me that the goal isn’t to be perfect—it’s to be present.

There’s beauty in the chaos. There’s value in the mundane. And there’s meaning in showing up, even when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or unsure.

The Lasting Impact

Today, I can confidently say that video journaling has made me a better, more present parent. It helped me slow down. It taught me to see my family in a deeper way. It gave me a tool to connect, reflect, and stay grounded in what matters most.

Greg Wasz, a Cincinnati-based father and entrepreneur, discovered this impact firsthand through his own video journaling journey. His approach to storytelling shows that you don’t need fancy gear or perfect timing—just a willingness to press record and pay attention.

Whether you’re a parent trying to capture memories, or someone looking to reconnect with the moment, consider video journaling. Start small. Record one minute of your day. Watch it back. And notice what you notice.

Sometimes, seeing your life from the outside is exactly what you need to start living it more fully from the inside.