From birth, our children never failed to surprise us. Even as we expect milestones like their first word or first steps, we never know for sure the exact day or time they might happen. They just seem to sneak up on us. In the same way, we may try a particular discipline style on a child and may be surprised that it does not work as well as it did with his sibling. It’s not all trial and error though. As our kids grow, we moms eventually learn that despite the surprises and uncertainties of motherhood, there are some things that we can hold on to. These convictions, beliefs, even rituals, help us navigate through the sometimes murky waters of being a parent.
In celebration of Mother’s Day, we asked some moms to share from their hearts “what they know for sure” as mothers.
Mommy Chiqui with her kids Nick, Randy, and Sabrina. Photo courtesy of Chiqui Roa-Puno.
Chiqui Roa-Puno, co-host of TV5′s Good Morning Club, mom to 3 kids
As a mother of three, what I know for sure is this: there is no sure formula for parenting!
You can heed your mom’s every piece of advice, read every self-help book on mothering, and Google every topic on childrearing, and you will find that you still won’t get it right all the time. The fact is there is no sure way of rearing the perfect child, because every child is an individual with different needs, responding to different things. So stop worrying if many times you feel you are far from being the perfect mom, because you can be sure she doesn’t exist.
Mom Felichi with her youngest child Ryan. Photo courtesy of Felichi Pangilinan-Buizon.
Felichi Pangilinan-Buizon, hands-on mom to four children; homeschooling parent; host of The 700 Club
What I know for sure as a mom is that our children our blessings. When I recognize, regard and receive them as blessings, they respond well and as a result, are inspired to be blessings themselves.
Mommy Amor with her daughter Peggy. Photo courtesy of Amor Maclang.
Amor Maclang, Public Relations Professional, Founder and Director for Communications of GeiserMaclang Marketing Communications (www.geisermaclang.com); mom to daughter Peggy, 8.
What I do know for sure is that there is no tried and tested formula for raising your children. As with business, as it is with parenthood, you can only aim to give them the best resources, the best guidance, trust them, and you let them out into the world to flourish on their own.
Mom Tanya with her daughters. Photo courtesy of Kariz Tanya Favis.
Kariz Tanya Favis, mom to two daughters and one baby boy on the way (plus 1 Golden Retriever and 1 Labrador Retriever) Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder of BC Magazine U.S. and Philippines (bc-mag.com and bcmag.ph)
What I know for sure as a mom is that time with my kids is fleeting–so enjoy every moment. It also helps greatly if you have a support group of family, friends, or even just domestic help who can do the more mundane tasks or chores, so you can concentrate on the bigger stuff. Never be too busy to shower them with hugs and kisses, and say lots of “I Love You’s,” so that they don’t forget that fact even as they grow old.
Mommy Grace with her kids Miggy, Gabby, and Neo. Photo courtesy of Grace Maglalang-Garcia.
Grace Maglalang-Garcia, entrepreneur, Vice President for Marketing of Pureform Cosmetic Products. Co. (Renew Placenta Herbal Beauty Products); mother of three kids; awarded Model Mom of the Year 2011, Mod Magazine
As a mom I know for sure that I love my kids and will do my best to nurture, guide, and protect them. Motherhood is not easy. You give up a lot like your time, your sleep and your habits just for your kids. However, just a little smile and a whisper from your children will wipe away your pains and make the sacrifices worthwhile. Another thing I’m sure of is that if you want them to be good kids, you have to be first one to set a good example.
Mommy Jakki with her youngest son David. Photo courtesy of Jakki Alindada.
Jakki Alindada, homeschooling parent to three kids; entrepreneur; founder and owner of Kids Club Philippines (www.facebook.com/pages/Kids-Klub-Child-Development-Arts-Center-Kids-Klub-Philippines)
“As a mom, I know for sure that I am to be their teacher as well, that it is my responsibility to educate my children, but not just in academics. The most important is to direct and point them to God. As a mom, I have to set the example.”
Mommy Janice with her daughter. Photo courtesy of Janice Crisostomo-Villanueva.
Janice Crisostomo-Villanueva, entrepreneur, founder of Mommy Mundo (www.mommymundo.com), mom to three kids
What I know for sure as a mom…
Is that years from now, when my kids are all grown up, they will remember
the small special moments just as much as the big major memories
The time we climbed together at the Great Wall of China will be a memory they will keep alongside the days we spent climbing monkey bars at the park. The way we were present in their graduation days and school programs will be remembered just as much as when we were there for them when they had their first pimple. They will remember the fun of having their milestone birthday parties as much as the daily dinners at home. They will remember our big heart-to-heart talks, along with the quick but meaningful “I love you’s” every morning and night.
As a mom, I know for sure that the measure of my success will be that if there’s only one thing I want my children to know and remember is that they were loved and cared for since the day they were conceived.
