Juggling time between family and work is one of the toughest challenge that Filipino moms ever have to face especially since most of the time – you’ll just bid the kids goodbye as they head to school and see them asleep in their beds by the time you get home.
The Filipino Times spoke to several moms to ask their secrets on keeping their kids happy despite their busy schedules all-year round:
Supermom tip: The conversation begins with you
Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, a diplomat at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, shared that one of the important things that she has learned to spark happiness with her daughter is to start a genuine conversation, despite how busy she was during the day. “Even with my very hectic schedule, I always make sure I spend quality time with my daughter. After a busy day at work, I always ask her how her day was and encourage her to tell me her activities and friends in school.
In addition, she also spends enough time with activities that her daughter enjoys. “I spend few hours with her through simple activities like building Legos, drawing and coloring, forming shapes with magna-tiles, and even some dancing and singing. I think it’s important we know how to listen to our children, and communicate with them. There is no single formula and we learn along the way,” shares Daquipil.
Supermom tip: Appreciate every moment
Roxane Negrillo who currently serves as the Business Unit Director at phd Media, said that she’s a very hands-on mom with a schedule that’s planned ahead that enables her to maximize and appreciate each moment she has with her only son.
“In my story entitled “Moving Mountains,” published by FWN’s book called “Disrupt 3.0” I talked about motherhood. The start of my career advancement coincided with raising my son and this has been proven challenging at times.
“There are certain realities that I have learned to embrace, such as multi-tasking, staying very organised, and as much as possible, planning ahead. This makes my life balanced which means that I can do both (being a mom and a career woman) better. Rather than counting every moment that I have missed with my family, which turns into guilt, I maximise the time I have and appreciate every moment … as the saying goes “quality more than quantity” shares Negrillo.
Supermom tip: Be your kids’ confidant
Delza Bayabao who serves as the Philippine Embassy in UAE’s Cultural Officer and Attaché shared that with the advent of technology which at times might impede human connections, the power of heart-to-hearts between moms and their kids stay true now more than ever. “Moms should be Loving, caring, inspiring, supportive, strong, somebody who their children can talk to and confide in.
“Coming home from work and after dinner, my kids and I typically spend at least 2 hours to do homework and prepare for school the next day. I try to keep up with the demands of both my professional career and family life. I maximize time spent with my kids and engage with them in activities that interest them and develop their skills/talents. We find ways to do special moments together as a family,” shares Bayabao.
Supermom tip: Be a beacon of happiness
Ruzielle De Vera who serves as the Philippine Embassy in UAE’s Finance Officer and Attaché shared that spreading happiness starting from the confines of your home will ripple positivity towards your children. “I think all moms should be a “happy mom” even during our trying times when we struggle to even get up in the morning.
“My daughter was praying one time and she said ‘Thank you Lord because my mommy was smiling today’. It made me realize that no matter how caught up or tired we are at work, once we enter our home, it is our smile that truly matters to them,” shares De Vera.
