Mom Captures Exact Moment That Proves 'Showing Up' Matters

A 2-year-old boy has melted hearts on the internet for his reaction to seeing his mom show up for him. In a clip on TikTok, Salvador stands at the edge of a swimming pool with his mom, Ana Vaz Guedes Dewerbe (@anadewerbe), watching from a distance. He's unaware of his mom's presence at first, but when he finally spots her, his face lights up with pure joy.

"[The video] captures a special moment between us, showing how important it is to be present for our children, especially during their big moments," the 27-year-old said. The video's text overlay reads: "Proof that showing up matters." Born in London, England, Vaz Guedes Dewerbe told Newsweek that everyone calls her son Sal because it was easier for English people to pronounce. The family has since relocated to Angola following a job offer for Vaz Guedes Dewerbe's husband. The mom believes that showing up for our children makes a huge difference. "Whether it's a school event, a performance, or just a moment they've been excited about, our presence gives them confidence and reassurance," she said. "This video is a reminder of how much it means to them when we're there." Research has shown that parental involvement in a child's early years can have a positive impact on their development. A 2015 meta-analysis by the Department of Education at The International University of La Rioja found that parents' active engagement, such as helping with homework and attending school events, had a positive effect on student achievement. For Salvador and his mom, the pair share a strong bond, and Vaz Guedes Dewerbe makes it a priority to support and encourage him as he grows. "Salvador is such a sweet and brave boy, and I always try to be there to support and encourage him," she said. The heartwarming clip has clocked up 14.8 million views and counting. Almost 2 million users liked the post and a further 2,359 commented. Many commented on how Salvador seemed to calm down instantly when he saw his mom's face. "You can see all the worry melt away," one user wrote, while another added, "His body stopped shaking when he saw you." Since posting the video, Vaz Guedes Dewerbe has been overwhelmed by the reaction. "People have been saying how cute and brave he is, and even people who don't know him are commenting that they're proud of him," she said. "It's really heartwarming to see how much joy this moment has brought to others." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some extra details, and they could appear on our website.