For Bagong Nanay’s first gig, my daughter and I were invited to the Blue Carpet Screening of the Smurfs movie at the Gateway Cineplex 18. It was our first time to watch a movie at Gateway Mall in Cubao, and we had an amazing experience.
Smurfs Movie (2025) Review
Without spoiling too many details, Smurfs movie delivered the fun and good vibes for kids, and the lessons and message for parents. Here are some of my takeaways from the movie, whether you plan to watch it or not.
Bagong Nanay at the Blue Carpet Screening of Smurfs at Gateway Cineplex 18
1. It speaks to moms about the identity we lose to motherhood.
The first few minutes shows the first dilemma of the movie, where No Name wonders why he doesn’t have a thing that sets him apart from all the other Smurfs in the Village. To him, it seems like everyone has their own identity—there’s a Worrier Smurf, a Sound Effects Smurf, a Grumpy Smurf, among others. He feels frustrated and thinks he’s nothing special because of that.
As a mom, and I admit it, I sometimes feel like I don’t know myself anymore, especially when I can’t tie myself to a career or anything apart from motherhood. Life as a mom seems like it’s always on survival mode. Yet when we finally realize that our identity as a mom is actually irreplaceable, things just feel better.
Take it from the superstar and soon-to-be mom of three, Rihanna, who voiced Smurfette in the film.
2. Our past doesn’t define us nor our present.
Smurfette reminds us of this truth, that what happened to us in the past doesn’t define what will happen to us in the future. If we come from a broken family, it doesn’t always follow that we’ll have a broken family too. There’s power in rising and overcoming, and from what the movie showed, we can use our scars and wounds from the past as motivation to be better.
Smurfette is Rihanna at Smurfs 2025 movie!
3. There’s power in coming together.
Just like how moms help each other when they have questions about their children’s health, school, or milestones, the Smurfs were stronger when they worked together to battle the dark forces. The movie shows that alone, we can only do so much, but if we put our heads and our hearts together, we can move mountains.
Moms may feel like every struggle they encounter each day is hard, but asking for help already makes the load a little lighter. I read somewhere that a mom needs at least one person whom she can be transparent with about her thoughts and feelings so she can thrive. If you don’t have this yet, maybe you can find it in a support group like the Bagong Nanay Community. Moms love to help their fellow moms because they are paying forward the help they once received.
Smurfs Lessons for Kids
As for my 6-year-old daughter, she shared that she learned about the importance of telling the truth instead of lying, as well as the value of friendship.
My almost 6-year-old Lia at the Smurfs movie advanced screening
Smurfs is rated PG (Parental Guidance), and there are a lot of opportunities to teach your child lessons about honesty, trust, and self-worth throughout the movie. I highly recommend it for a one-on-one movie date with your child, or for a feel-good family movie time.
Smurfs is showing in theaters on July 16, 2025. Watch the trailer here.
Have you watched Smurfs? What do you think about it? Comment below!
After a three-year hiatus, Bagong Nanay is back for the best, and for good.
“It’s for the best, for now.”
‘Yan na lang ang naisip ko nung nag-decide ako mag-resign from my job as a Section Editor of Smart Parenting. Yes, halos four years in total din ako sa SP. Nagsimula as a community member, naging contest finalist, mom ambassador, contributing writer, hanggang sa inofferan ako ng full-time job as a Senior Staff Writer. Bago nun, two years akong unemployed dahil nagpaka-Bagong Nanay ako sa panganay kong anak na si Lia. Ngayon, may isa pa akong baby, si Titus. 10 months old na siya, which means Bagong Nanay ako all over again.
Lia (6) and Titus (<1)
How Bagong Nanay started (recap lang)
Ilang araw nalang, my firstborn will be turning six. Nakaka-senti kasi parang kahapon lang nung nag-break yung water bag ko at pumunta kami ni husband ng ospital, thinking baka hindi pa naman time. 33 weeks, 5 days palang kasi siya noon. Eh, sabi ng BabyCenter app, at least 34 weeks sana ang baby bago lumabas para ma-develop fully yung lungs niya. So ayun, nag-stay ng 3 days sa loob ng tiyan ko si Lia, until in-emergency C-section na ako ng aking OB-GYN na si Tita Ana Villaraza na kilala rin bilang si Dra. V sa Capitol Medical Center dahil ubos na ang aking amniotic fluid.
Si Lia, na dati ay 1.5kg lang noong lumabas, ay isang matalino at madaldal na Grade 1 student na. Ang bilis lang ng panahon. Kaya sabi ko, mabilis lang din naman lalaki si Titus, kaya susulitin ko na muna habang baby pa siya. Focus muna ako sa kanilang dalawa, at habang nasa school si Lia at nap time naman nung isa, makakasulat ako dito sa Bagong Nanay blog na sinimulan ko noong pang 2019. Naaalala ko pa, nasa shower ako noon, maternity leave ko. Hirap na hirap ako bilang first-time mom na nakabukod sa pamilya. Nakatira kami ni husband sa condo sa Quezon City, at walang ibang kasama. Sabi ko, “What if gumawa ako ng Instagram page kung saan pwedeng mag-crowdsource ng mga tanong about parenting? Tapos ako, bilang may communications background ako, icoconsolidate ko into a blog post para mas madaming makabasa at ma-share nila?”
What is Bagong Nanay?
So Bagong Nanay was born. Eventually, bilang unemployed ako nitong time na ito at pandemic, naisipan kong mag-try magbenta ng malunggay supplements. Ang lakas ng benta ko noon! Pano, ang business plan ko kasi ay mag-ship as needed ng mga malunggay tea and coffee, patok sa mga bagong panganak. Tipong nasa ospital pa sila, oorder sila at ipapadala ko ura-urada via Grab Express or Lalamove yung orders nila. Bilang gising ako halos buong araw, anytime delivery din ako. Kahit alas-5 ng umaga at kailangan nila ng pampalakas ng gatas, o gabi dahil yun lang ang time na pwede silang makalabas ng bahay, game ako.
Bagong Nanay, created in 2019
Gumawa din ako ng Viber group kung saan mga Bagong Nanay in different seasons of life ang members. Dito, free sila magtanong at mag-usap about anything under the sun. Pero nagsilakihan na din ang mga anak nila, kaya medyo naging inactive na ito. Nasa 90+ members ang Viber group, pero legit na mga nanay ito dahil by invitation link lang ang pag-join. Walang bots allowed.
Bakit may Bagong Nanay ulit?
Nag-resign ako sa SP dahil may company policy kami na two days report to office per week. Hindi ako maka-keep up dito dahil 1) hindi ko maiwan ang baby ko dahil breastfeeding kami at clingy siya; 2) ang layo ng office namin sa Mandaluyong, taga-Novaliches kami. Sabi ko, it’s for the best for now. Babalik nalang ako pag kaya ko na, dahil unfair din naman sa mga ka-officemate ko kung ako lang ang naka-work from home at sila ay pumapasok sa office. It’s the best for now because lahat ng oras at atensyon ko ay nakatuon sa aking mga maliliit na anak muna. Makakabalik din si Nanay sa work niya.
Long story short, gusto ko lang ituloy ang aking pagsusulat at pagiging nanay kaya binuhay ko ulit ang Bagong Nanay. Marami nga lang magbabago, kasi siyempre, natuto na tayo sa mga needs ng mga nanay. Naisip ko, sa dami ng mga content sa social media, ano ba ang kailangan nilang makita at mabasa? Bakit ako dadagdag pa sa mga isipin nila?
New and improved Bagong Nanay 2.0
As a Bagong Nanay of two, heto ang mga naisip kong magiging laman ng Bagong Nanay blog na ito at ng social media accounts natin.
Bagong Nanay, new logo for 2025 relaunch
Dati, Bagong Nanay served as a community of new and first-time moms, Bagong Nanay 2.0 is a safe space for mothers and their stories.
Kuwentong Bagong Nanay
Sa mundo na puno ng Chatgpt or AI-generated content, magpapakatao tayo. Ang kuwento ng bawat nanay ang bida dito. Tuloy pa rin ang mga Kuwentong Bagong Nanay, na sana one Nanay per week. May kuwentong Bagong Nanay ka ba? Send me a message and I will reach out to you. Read our past features:
Sa TikTok kung saan madaming nabubudol, tutulong tayo to make informed decisions. Tuloy pa rin ang Bagong Nanay Reviews, kung saan itetest ko personally ang mga bago o existing brands in a comprehensive article for every mom’s reference.
Bago naman ang Bagong Nanay and her Biz, kung saan iffeature ko ang mga mompreneurs at ang kanilang mga locally-made products for support and empowerment. (Haha, parang wordplay pala ng Beauty and the Beast, LOL). Open din ang Bagong Nanay for consignment or affiliate marketing! If you have a biz, hit me up at isulat natin yan.
Bagong Nanay Things
Eto ang excited ako. Gagawa ako ng isang page dito sa website kung saan makaka-download ang mga new moms ng mga files gaya ng proven and tested hospital bag checklist, postpartum depression test, at marami pang guides and how-tos. Syempre, para pa din ang lahat ng ito sa mga literal na Bagong Nanay.
Sa social media naman, expect affirmations, questions, and giveaways. Buhay pa rin ang Viber group natin, in case may gustong mag-join. Madami nang natulungan ang group to source breastmilk, brand recommendations, at event promotions. Active din ako sa Threads, kung andun din kayo.
Hanggang dito muna ang ire-reveal ko. Pero everything is possible with Bagong Nanay. Wala tayong hierarchy at burokrasiya dito, so feel free to share your thoughts on how we can help each other sa season na ito. Open ako diyan.
It’s for the best, for now.
Thank you sa pagbabasa, Bagong Nanay. It’s an honor to exist and write for you.
Love,
Nanay Judy
PS. Bagong Nanay is also a tribute to Dr. Maria Ana G. Villaraza, my dear tita and OB-GYN, who passed away in April 2024. May she rest in peace.
PPS. Sending a gift to Nanay Kyla Abrenilla Magbag (ky.mgbg) for commenting on my recent post. Yey!
This blog post is long overdue. Halos isang taon na since I published my last #KuwentongBagongNanay featuring Chesca Susmerano, a creative mompreneur and founder of Studio Maria for Mamas last March 20.
And on March 21, I will be celebrating my first anniversary as one of the editors of Smart Parenting. Mababasa ninyo ang halos lahat ng sinulat ko dito.
Napaka-surreal, to think na one year ago, hindi ko akalain na magkakaroon pa ako ng regular job bilang nag-resign ako to be a full-time mom in 2020, then the Covid-19 pandemic happened.
I also learned that I went through postpartum depression in 2021. Grabe the year that was.
But now, I’m here, explaining myself what happened to me. Getting my dream job – writing + parenting – and working with amazing teammates and mentors are just some of the biggest plot twists of 2022, and it’s all glory and thanks to God.
Hindi ko naman nagawa yun dahil magaling ako. Nagawa ko yun dahil nagtiwala ako kay Lord.
Hindi naman ako tumigil sa pagiging advocate ng maternal mental health at pagsuporta sa mga bagong nanay. Kumbaga, naredirect lang ako, pero ganun pa rin ang ginagawa ko. Nagsusulat, nakikipag-usap, nagbebenta ng malunggay, tuloy pa rin.
Buhay na buhay pa rin ang Viber group ng Bagong Nanays. Nag-out of town trips na kami ng ibang members na naging matatalik na kaibigan ko na. Sali ka dito kung wala ka pa doon.
Ang pinagkaiba lang, hindi na ako nakakapagsulat dito. Kasi naman, I’ve been writing daily for Smart Parenting. Stories of celebrities, parents, children, and inspiring people to raise healthy and happy families. I’ve been waking up every day with not just a deadline, but a purpose. And for that, thankful ako kay Lord.
Until one day, sabi sa akin ni Chesca, willing daw ba akong makipag-collab ulit sa kanya for Women’s month. Baka daw busy ako kaya siya nagtatanong muna. Siya pa nagtanong, eh malapit na siya manganak noon! Nanganak na siya, and na-launch pa rin niya ang collab namin. Ganun siya kagaling.
So ano bang point nitong blog post na ito? Aside from giving a life update, invite ko na kayo to join our statement shirt contest! Your witty idea could be printed on shirts and be worn by moms in the Philippines and all over the world. Gustomoyorn
Hindi alam ng mundo ang hirap na dinaranas mo. Hindi nakikita ng lahat kung gaano kasarap sa puso maging nanay.
Simple lang ang mechanics, punta ka lang sa link na ito or basahin mo hanggang dulo and you will know what to do. Then, start thinking about your ideas then write it down on your notebook or phone muna. You know, the best ideas come to us while we are in the shower or washing dishes. Tapos alarm ka ng March 18, isubmit mo entries mo on that day. Yun lang.
Why are we doing this again? Studio Maria and Bagong Nanay believe that moms matter. And through these shirts, we can raise more awareness on what first-time moms and even moms of multiple children go through. Kesyo pa-joke o seryoso, we should make a stand while we can.
Hindi alam ng mundo ang hirap na dinaranas mo. Hindi nakikita ng lahat kung gaano kasarap sa puso maging nanay. Through these shirts, kahit papaano, we are giving the people around us a glimpse of our lives. A snapshot of what we stand for.
Yung tipong pag suot ko yung t-shirt ko na Studio Maria na nakalagay “Moms matter,” para akong tumatayo para sa lahat ng nanay na akala nila wala na silang kwenta simula nung naging nanay sila.
Every day mom
Tuwing suot ko yung shirt ko na “Bagong Nanay Club,” napaparamdam ko sa makakasalubong ko na kapapanganak pa lang na hindi siya nag-iisa.
Lam mo yun, simpleng t-shirt pero ang laki ng impact. Nagsuot ka lang ng damit, pero nakabuo ka ng araw ng ibang tao.
Paano pa kung ang nakasulat sa tshirt na susuotin mo at irarampa sa mall eh, “kaMAhal-MAhal ka.” O di kaya, “Gets ko yang mombrain mo.” Diba, ang sarap mabasa? Ang sarap malamang hindi ka nag-iisa? Teka, entries ko yan ha.
O siya, inaantok na ako at ayokong nagpupuyat dahil ikakagrumpy ko ito bukas. Sana nagets mo yung point ko, na itong mga ganitong pagkakataon para magsalita, o manindigan para sa mga nanay ay napakahalaga.
What if ikaw ang inatasan ni Lord na makaisip ng next statement na ilalagay sa Studio Maria x Bagong Nanay shirt? Click mo na ito, sige na.
PS. Kamusta ka, Bagong Nanay? Comment below kung umabot ka dito, at baka may ipadala ako sa’yong surprise.
PPS. Chescagurl, congrats sa pagiging bagong nanay ulit. Salamat kay Lord at pinagtagpo tayo, 2 collabs in this lifetime, hindi biro yun ah? Salamat sa tiwala, mamsh.
This woman – she’ll never know how much impact she has created – with every shirt, every wisdom she imparts to moms online. I remember her posting this – and immediately – I immediately believe that I can dream again.
And when we worked together for Bagong Nanay Club, I’ve never felt so alive and so inspired to keep doing what I’m doing.
When another mom inspires you to dream, you just got to keep doing whatever you can to support her. Here I am, sharing her story with you, so that she can inspire you to dream again, and make it happen too.
Here’s Chesca Susmerano, everyone. A strong mama who supports other strong moms, and admits that she needs support, too. This is her Bagong Nanay story.
1. Can you briefly share your “How it started” vs “How it’s going” story as a Bagong Nanay to Likha and to Studio Maria? Highlight your top 3 milestones, and recognize what/who helped you achieve them.
How I started as a mom – newlywed, new career milestone and suddenly pregnant.
I was enrolled in an 11-month master’s degree program in 2018 when we got pregnant.
Mommy Chesca to-be!
I started #momlife learning how important a village is not just to raise kids but to help moms achieve their dreams.
Chesca Susmerano for BagongNanay.com
I was always the “strong independent woman” type and because of that, my weakness is also asking for help. Being pregnant, I felt some shame when I had to ask people to make some considerations for me because of my situation. I couldn’t join some of the fieldwork, so I overcompensated by doing extra work for the class. I couldn’t join late nights to overtime on papers because I was always tired. I had to ask my parents if we could stay with them. I had to give birth and I had to ask professors to consider a two-week absence. After giving birth, I had to attend daily classes, catch-up on requirements and finish my thesis. I thought I wouldn’t be able to make it but I did, and I brought my newborn daughter on stage the day of graduation.
Mama made it!
This experience has really changed my mindset about independence and success in life. From being so hard on myself to achieve personal goals, I learned to be softer, be more vulnerable and be open to ask for help. I started #momlife learning how important a village is not just to raise kids but to help moms achieve their dreams. I thank my village of kind people from school, work, my own family and my husband for allowing me to dream.
How’s it going – enjoying the journey
Fast forward to today, I have embraced being vulnerable and I’m still working on having the courage to seek the help I need to pursue my dreams for our family. Studio Maria is the embodiment of embracing vulnerability while being open to ask for help. Transitioning to entrepreneurship required me to lean on my husband and extended family for stability while I pursue my craft and turn it into a small business. I had to be vulnerable enough to put my work out there and get rejected if no one buys from me. I had to be open to relationships in the mom community online, share my own struggles, find joy in our shared motherhood experiences and discover more meaning everyday.
Ask us about our dreams and passions and inspire us to achieve them.
Chesca Susmerano on how people can support strong moms
Chesca wears many hats for her business – I mean, all hats!Her superpower is to make shirts for mamas to wear so that they can be seen
Motherhood is still not easy but with being open to receive help from the village that I am continuously intentionally building around me, I am enjoying the journey more.
2. Why is it important to support strong moms? List three things that people can do to support them.
1. See us and validate our dreams. There are a lot of us moms who feel that they are no longer seen when the baby comes. It is suddenly all about the baby and we are in the background forgotten. We need validation that in this season of our life we focus on the kids and the family, but we will also realize that season of following our dreams in God’s perfect time. Ask us about our dreams and passions and inspire us to achieve them.
We’d gladly receive help if it comes without any judgments.
Chesca Susmerano on what strong moms need help with
2. Offer help without judgments. Even the strongest of moms are sensitive to comments about our kids and our parenting. We already know that we are not perfect so there is no need to point out where we lack or talk about us behind our backs. We’d gladly receive help if it comes without any judgments. Nakakalat yung mga laruan? Pwede mo na rin iligpit kung gusto mo. 😊
3. Let us know if we are doing a good job. Us strong moms, we are also our own worst critics! We suffer from mom guilt no matter how hard we try to juggle all of our responsibilities. We often forget to appreciate our own hard work. If you see us doing something well, please let us know. It means the world to know we are doing something right.
3. This year, what are three things you want to be strong at, and what help do you need to achieve them?
Being present. I’ve noticed that I am a human doing instead of a human being. To be able to be more “being”, I need some time everyday to just be alone and attune myself to my emotions. As a multitasker, it often becomes overwhelming the amount of things I need to do in the day that I forget what matters – my relationships with the people around me, my connection to God. I need time to be alone so I can always step back and check my priorities.
Grit. They say the key to success is grit – having the perseverance and persistence for very long term goals. For this, I need a community of believers who will cheer me on but also mentor me in the paths I’ve taken. I have moms who I can turn to for motherhood or parenting advice, entrepreneurs who I ask for business advice, and coaches for business and life goals.
Balance. I need to be better at balancing responsibilities with fun and growth. I want to be a good role model to my family in terms of health, work ethic, relationships and so on. All of these require a lot of work and the key is balancing them and making it work together.
4. Who is your female role model and why?
I don’t have to look very far. I am who I am because of my mom. She is kindness, warmth, grace, beauty and peace – all that I aspire for as I grow older. If I can make my relationship with her be like my relationship with my daughter, I would know that I am already a good mom.
5. What is your advice to Bagong Nanays who think they can do everything on their own?
Build your own village. Sometimes we think we have to do everything on our own because there is no one else to listen to us or help us. There are two scenarios:
1. We do have a village but we’re just afraid of being vulnerable and ask for help. Look around you, Mama. Are there people in your life who are willing to help but we don’t let them? Communicate your needs and let the people you trust in your life to help you.
This was me. I was suffering 5-6 hours on the road everyday going back and forth to work. I desperately wanted to be with my daughter for the early years of her life but I also didn’t want to depend on anybody for money. But then finally, I swallowed all my pride and communicated my desire to resign and start a small business from home to my husband and brother and they supported me all the way since then.
Communicate your needs and let the people you trust in your life to help you.
Chesca Susmerano
2. We don’t have a village and we have to seek them out. Sometimes we just haven’t found the right people we need in our side. Sometimes, we have to seek them out. And now that we have online communities, we can find the tribe we need for us to bloom to like Bagong Nanay.
This is also me. When I started Studio Maria, I was not part of any mom community and I didn’t know any mom entrepreneurs. But slowly I started opening up and joined community events, talked to fellow moms and mom entrepreneurs and just slowly built relationships with other moms. I super appreciate how other moms in this community show support through encouraging words, advice and even just a listening ear.
6. In only six words, describe what kind of Bagong Nanay you are.
Artsy mama who will make everyone a statement shirt.
I am Chesca Susmerano from Las Pinas. I am the Bagong Nanay of Likha, 3YO. When I’m not being a mom and working on the small biz, I meditate and paint flowers.
Naging usapin sa Bagong Nanay Community on Viber kung paano nila dinidisiplina ang kanilang mga anak, particularly toddlers age 1-3. Yung tipong ang cute nila pero ang kukulit din nila. Naging healthy ang diskurso, kaya naman naisip kong dalhin sa Bagong Nanay Community on Instagram ang usaping ito.
Tinanong ko ang mga Bagong Nanays on Instagram kung saang team sila panig: #TeamPayo o #TeamPalo. Maraming nag-share ng kanilang mga kuwento bilang bata, at mga paninindigan nila ngayong magulang na sila. At mula sa dalawa, nahati sa maraming teams ang mga nanays.
Read more and let me know sa comment anong naging insight mo:
1. #TeamPayo: Based on my experience, palo didn’t work and I will not do it to my child.
Sabi ni Mommy reginalynj, she’s against palo because she experienced it multiple times as a child. “It did gave me a bad memory/trauma. That created a gap between me and my parents. Ayoko maranasan yun ng kids ko. Besides, at the end of the day, our toddlers/children are still learning. Tayo din. Hindi man tayo perfect as parents to give advice to our children, but we are enough for them, sa simpleng pagintindi lang muna sa kanila.”
Sangayon dito si Mommy empressanderithel, who said she grew up with all palo and bugbog without even explaining what she did wrong. “Kaya sabi ko kapag naging nanay na ako, I make sure na hindi nila mararanasan ito. Kaya ngayon more on payo ako. Tayong mga nanay, akala natin hindi tayo naiintindihan ng kid/s natin dahil nakatitig lang sila o kung minsan patay malisya. Pero they are like sponge. They absorb everything.”
Sabi naman ni mommy_alexies na lumaki din sa palo at bugbog, na iniiwasan niya talaga makasakit dahil ayaw niya maranasan ng kids niya ang naranasan niya before. “Kinakausap ko muna siya pero minsan di talaga umuubra kaya napapalo pa rin, pero after naman non nag-so-sorry ako at kinakausap siya bat ko nagawa ‘yon. And then she always say sorry rin pagtapos namin magusap.”
Sabi ni Mommy cybilmalipot, she also grew up with all palo. “It’s true that it has helped me toughen up, but its uncertain if it will have the same effect at my son. I think we cannot under estimate the capability of our children to understand. Naiintindihan nila tayo kahit those big round eyes just stare at us! Alam ko sa pit ng stomach ko na naiintindihan niya ako! Lol”
Agree din si Mommy mrs.brightside_ph. “Payo. Kasi kahit ako noon, hanggang ngayon naman din mas nakakaintindi o natututo sa payo kaysa palo.”
Si Mommy Sha of simplybabymnl din said she grew up with palo. “Until now I’m still dealing with issues. Kaya ngayong nanay na ako, pinipilit ko maging mindful and responsive parent. Ang hirap lang talaga minsan dahil sobrang kulit na. Madalas pa rin magakamali pero I stop at sigaw. Still not the right way but we’re human. Lagi ko na lang iniisip na yung behavior nya is developmentally appropriate sa age nya. We’re both learning.”
2. #TeamPalo, pero depende sa situation and with reservations
Ayon naman kay Mommy Chee, theintrosocial, “to be honest, okay din naman ang palo pero siguro mild lang tsaka nabasa ko noon dapat meron kang isang item na like stick or belt na gagamitin mo kapag paparusahan sya, hindi daw kamay. Kasi yun kamay, para yan sa touch of love. Para sakin, pag naulit na nya kahit ilan beses sabihan, need na ng punishment, with explanation.”
Ayon naman kay Mommy Jemmalyn ng awfhmomslife, both. “Hindi kasi effective yung parating payo there are instances na need ng palo to set boundaries. Meron kasi talagang mga batang madaling kausap at pagsabihan. Meron naman na sadyang nanunubok like my toddler. Paulit-ulit ipipilit hanggang mapalo.”
Sabi naman ni Mommy Lan of mothernurture_main, payo muna, pero minsan need ng palo, pero dapat hindi galit if ever need mamalo. “In our family, as much as possible iniiwasan may masaktan. Kausapin muna in private, and if need na paluin, we explain why and in private din.”
Ayon kay Mommy Stephanie aka thechinkymommy, she spanks her child but she has guidelines. Some of these are posted on her Instagram. “I never spank when I am angry. I spank in private. I will explain the reason why I spank them. I validate their feelings, hug and assure them that I love them, and then we say a prayer of confession to Jesus.”
Si mommychriszy naman, may levels. “Depende sa nagawang kasalanan pag level 1-3 lang Payo. Pag level 4-10 na need na Palo. She also quotes Proverbs 13:24 from the Bible: “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.”
Ayon kay mommapearly, it depends also sa situation, but if may physical punishment, she prefers a little pinching or “kurot.” Then after a few minutes, talk to the child and explain why you did, what you did. I believe it is also important that an early age, a child should be aware about consequences para as they grow older, gradually, they can be careful also with their choices in life.”
Dagdag pa ni Mommy Pearly, “I learned a saying that is usual daw in the US “small children, small problem, big children, big problem” so to prevent “big problems” prevent it early on. I also believe wala namang masama sa pagpalo, wag lang labis, alam naman natin na kahit anong labis/sobra ay masama at gawin lamang ito sa private, o sa sariling area at huwag sa harap ng madaming tao para hindi maramdaman ng bata na napapahiya siya.”
“Pero I also believe na setting the idea of consequence at an early age keeps a healthy parent-child relationship, because you can be like a barkada kind of relationship but a higher respect and sense of authority will always be there. I know a few kasi hindi sila masyado napagalitan when they were younger and even in their teenage years, the result, they can manipulate their parents, na sila ang madalas masunod or mas parang sila pa ang may authority over the parents. I do not blame the parents perhaps it’s their dynamics at home talaga and that’s their way of love AND I am not saying too na this will always be the end result, but there will always be chances.”
3. #TeamProperGuidance
Eto naman ang pananaw ni Mommy C-ann aka hirayaaa, “Nakafocus ako sa pagbuild ng connection at tinatry ko na bawasan or huwag masyadong magfocus sa correction. Iniiwasan ko ang shaming at blaming o paninisi o paggawa ng something na makakasira sa self worth ng mga anak ko. Syempre hindi madali. Mahirap magpigil ng emosyon lalo na kapag traditional parenting ang kinalakhan natin.”
Ayon kay Mommy C-ann, ang pagpapalaki ng mga bata ay more than just managing their behavior. “Para sa akin, importanteng ituring sila na mga mabuting tao at hindi i-label na “makulit” o “pasaway” dahil mga bata silang nageexplore pa lang ng mundo at ng kaya nilang gawin. Ang pag-focus ko sa pag-connect with them ay pagkilala sa kanila bilang mga buo nang tao na unti-unting nagbubloom. Andito lang ako bilang guide.”
“I believe lessons reach them better when the connection is strong,” sabi rin ni Mommy ritalovesbranding.
Sang-ayon din dito si Mommy ryam_rics. “I came from a dysfunctional family and all those physical/emotional abuse didn’t help for my well being as a child. In fact, it became worst. As a mother, I realized that proper guidance is necessary for my child. Shaming or hurting as form of discipline will just lead them to trauma. There’s no perfect mother same as our children, we are all learning and we can always practice patience and mindful parenting.”
Dagdag pa ni Mommy xingogaoiran, “They are smarter than what you think they are. Naiintindihan nila ang mga sinasabi natin. Kailangan lang maayos ang pagpapaliwanag.”
Yan din ang sagot ni Mommy joselleona, “Too unfair for toddlers to be expected to be as mature as adults. Non verbal pa sila mostly.”
Ayon kay Mommy Chesca of studiomaria.formamas, siya ay Team Payo din dahil ang mga toddlers ay wala pang impulse control. “Di sila nananadya, di lang pa talaga nila kaya kontrolin. (Tayo nga di natin makontrol minsan galit natin diba? At this age hehe).
But I am also team *help moms with their needs so that we have the headspace to be patient and understanding of our kids* ♥️ Kasi diba pag gutom, pagod, puyat, stressed ka, mas maikli pasensya mo.”
Kung paano matutulungan ang mga strong moms na tinatawag, sumali sa conversation ng Studio Maria sa IG.
Final note
At the end of the day, walang panalo at talo sa mga nanay na ito. Wala ring hidwaan dahil lahat tayo ay mga work-in-progress. Personally, hindi ako napalo ng aking mga magulang, at ako ay nagtrabaho noon sa Bantay Bata 163 kung saan nakasalamuha ko ang mga batang nakaranas ng matinding physical abuse.
Pero hindi nangangahulugan na hindi ko kailanman mapapalo ang aking anak. Ang aking anak na dinala ko ng siyam na buwan sa sinapupunan, ni hindi pinapadapuan ng langaw at lamok, at laging may binibilhan ng taho o Happy Meal. Mga nanay tayo na may hangganan din, at madalas, nasa sa atin ang control.
Naniniwala ako sa lahat ng pananaw ng mga Bagong Nanays, pero nais kong i-emphasize ang sinabi ni Mommy Chesca. Bilang isang Maternal Mental Health advocate, napakahalaga sa atin na mag-observe ng mga habits kung saan magiging mas masaya, mabuti, at patient tayong mga nanay. [Kung paano maaachieve ito, pwede niyong basahin ang Mental Health Wellness activity book na ito ng Doctors Without Borders.]
Self-care is not selfish
Hindi kailangang drastic ang changes para maging healthy ka, Bagong Nanay. Pwedeng magsimula ka lang sa pagkakaroon ng self-care routine. Kahit 10 minutes lang for yourself everyday. Yan ang ikakampanya namin this Women’s Month, kasama ang apat pang mga nanays.
We want you to #Take10Mama. Take 10 minutes for yourself, everyday. So that you can better care for others.
Dahil kung tayo mismo ay malusog ang pangangatawan, damdamin at isip, mas makakapag-discern tayo ng maayos sa lahat ng ating gagawin, including discipline. Higit sa lahat, ieemphasize ko din ang paghingi ng tulong. Naiintindihan ko na mahirap maging healthy, pero kakayanin natin yan kung mayroon tayong tulong mula sa ating partner, pamilya, mga kaibigan, o support group. Higit sa lahat, sa Diyos.
Uulitin ko, lahat tayo ay work in progress. Hindi ibig sabihin na kung pinapalo mo ang anak mo ay masamang magulang ka, at kung hindi mo pinapalo ay mabuting magulang ka. Iba-iba ang ating mga anak, iba-iba tayong mga nanay, at sa tingin ko, ang pinaka-nagkakaisa tayong lahat ay gusto nating magtulungan dahil hindi natin ito kaya mag-isa.
Again, #BagongNanaysEMPOWERBagongNanays
Sabi nga ni Mommy Victoria Dang sa kanyang book na “Go Momshie,” “real moms fix each other’s crowns.”
Ikaw, Bagong Nanay, anong masasabi mo?
Need another Bagong Nanay to talk to? Join the Bagong Nanay Community on Viber!
Kumusta ka? Sana okay ka lang despite the rising number of Covid-19 cases dahil sa Omicron na yan.
It’s 2:23AM, pero hyped na hyped ako dahil mamaya na ang launch ng Bagong Nanay Club Merch!!! AHHHHHHHHH!!!
So basically, magda-dump lang ako dito ng mga thoughts and feelings ko dahil sobrang overwhelmed ako sa collab na ito.
I remember one of my bestfriends saying, “Paano mo malalaman na will ni God for you ang isang bagay?” And the answer we concluded was, “Pag hindi pilit, at smooth lang ang bagay-bagay.” Kumbaga, iyo talaga yan. Ina-allow ni God yan for you. Hindi ka na Niya papahirapan.
Para organized ang thoughts ko, ganito ko nalang ikikuwento kung paano nagtugma ang lahat para mangyari ang collab na ito:
July 18, 2019:My Bagong Nanay moment. Naging literal na bagong nanay ako kay Therese Aurelia. 34 weeks palang siya, gusto niya na lumabas sa outside world! Siya ang pinakamagandang bata sa buong mundo.
September 11, 2019: Bagong Nanay was conceived. In one of my 5-minute showers, naisip ko “Juskolord. Bagong Nanay na ako. OMG. Paano ba ihahack ito? Napakahirap!” Boom! Nakatuwalya palang ako nun, gumawa ako ng Instagram account, and the rest is history. Ang initial idea is to make it a crowdsourcing hub for first-time moms on IG, kasi andun madalas nakatambay ang mga nanay.
November 8, 2019: Mommy Jersey dreams. Nangarap ako gumawa ng “mommy jerseys.” Four months palang ang baby ko noon, at naka-maternity leave pa ako. Na-inspire akong gawin ang idea na ito kasi lagi kong suot na ang basketball jersey ni Husband for easy access sa boobs. Hehe.
January 29, 2020: Transition. Nag-resign ako from my regular job as an Assistant Communications Manager to be a full-time nanay. Simula noon, sabi ko, kakareerin ko ang Bagong Nanay. Nag-start ako ng The Bagong Nanay Shop, etc.
August2, 2021: Cold message. Na-discover ko ang Studio Maria for Mamas. Meron silang muscle tees na same ng na-envision ko for my mommy jerseys. Parang na-dishearten ako na may nakaisip na pala non. LOL. Pero what if pwedeng maki-ride nalang ako sa current na meron sila? So nag-DM ako sa Studio Maria for Mamas sa Instagram (around 3AM pala yun, haha) na “Would love to have a shirt that says, Bagong Nanay!” Try lang, diba. At nag-reply si Chesca, ng “Nice idea! I can include in future releases!” WOAH. Simula noon, nabuhayan ang pangarap kong mommy jerseys!
September 17, 2021: Bagong Nanay as Studio Maria Partner Affiliate. Nag-join ako sa free workshop ng The Social Media Rebel, at nag-promote doon si Chesca about Studio Maria. Nag-sign up ako to be a Studio Maria Partner Affiliate for extra income, at bilang aligned naman talaga siya sa goals ng Bagong Nanay. Nagka-chat kami ni Chesca on IG, at naalala niya na gusto kong makipag-collab. Di niya alam, halos maihi ako sa kilig!
December 9, 2021: Planning Eto na! Tuloy-tuloy na ang online planning, brainstorming, and execution for the Bagong Nanay Club Merch! Lahat via chat and email lang with Chesca! Haha. Nag-crowdsource kami ng content from Bagong Nanays, dahil para sa kanila ito.
January 15, 2021: Bagong Nanay Club Merch Launch. To God be all the glory.
Sketches of my mommy jersey dreams way back in 2019
Isa ito sa mga pangyayari sa buhay ko na nagpprove na, God’s delays are not denials. May mga bagay na pangarap natin, tapos maffrustrate tayo dahil hindi siya nangyari based on how we envisioned it, pero yun pala, may better plan for us.
God’s detour. A collab with Studio Maria for Mamas!
Chesca Susmerano, a creative mompreneur, has her own shirt printing business, at sobrang high-quality ng shirts at print niya. Pang-alta! Hindi ka mapapahiya ipangregalo! Haha. Ako naman, I’m building an online community for first-time moms. Nag-swak ang mga bagay-bagay, kaya nangyari ang collab na ito. Ang smooth, diba?
Kaya naman, 3AM na. See you later onInstagram Live at 6PM for the Bagong Nanay Club merch launch!!! We’ll be launching FOUR (4) SHIRT DESIGNS na crowdsourced from real Bagong Nanays. Nakakakilig talaga. Thank you Lord for Chesca and for this project! Please please support us and share this to your mommy friends!
See you later at 6PM!
May this collab empower more Bagong Nanays. You are not alone.
And for our last #KuwentongBagongNanay for 2021, Mommy Paula Batalla-Remetio shares what it’s like being a Bagong Nanay in the New Normal.
Be inspired by her story of constant worry and fear, and also endless love and hope for her dear son, Lati. Lati is the Hiligaynon term for “new moon.”
May her story inspire you to believe in new beginnings and look forward to a better year ahead. ✨
Maraming salamat, Bagong Nanays, for sharing your stories that empower other Bagong Nanays.
1. What were the top 3 challenges you faced as Bagong Nanay during a pandemic?
First, my family and I got COVID on my 7th month of pregnancy. I didn’t get severe symptoms but even though I was recovered already, it took a while before my RT-PCR came back negative. I was so afraid it will affect my baby in any way or that I will have to give birth in a COVID building. Thank God that on my 36th week (after 3 RT-PCRs), my results came back negative and I was given clearance to be admitted in the non-COVID wing.
Second, working full time. After my maternity leave, I tried the WFH setup for a while and it was really difficult. I get really guilty that I’m at home and yet, I’m working instead of being in the other room taking care of my baby. Then even when I came back to work on site, I got really “baby-sick” I just miss my baby so much more.
It has been 4 months since I came back to work and I’m still adjusting to not being present 24/7.
Finally, it’s not being able to share your baby to your loved ones. I come from a big family where we are all very close. When I got pregnant, I imagined that once I deliver my baby, I’ll have all my titos and titas and ates and kuyas waiting for me on the hospital room. But of course, it wasn’t possible.
Mommy Paula and her baby Lati
It may sound cliche, but I really prayed every single day of my pregnancy. I had a miscarriage before so I was really scared and anxious about getting pregnant again so fast.
Paula Batalla-Remetio for BagongNanay.com
2. What’s it like being a Bagong Nanay living in the new normal? Share a day in your life.
I am very lucky that I have my mom with me. We were like a tag team when Lati was born. We would take turns in taking care of Lati — she’d let me catch up on sleep while she gets Lati for paaraw. I’d wake up and prepare Lati’s bath. While I feed Lati, she’d wash all of Lati’s clothing. Then she gets Lati for a nap so I can wash and sterilize bottles, then clean up our room. We have developed some sort of routine where in a day, we get to attend to all of Lati’s needs while also doing the laundry, cleaning the room, and ironing all of Lati’s clothing, etc.
Looking back, I don’t know really how we managed to do everything daily with little to no sleep, but we did.
3. What are your 3 tips to pregnant moms or those who are planning to give birth at a time like this?
If you are not vaccinated yet against COVID, please consider getting the vaccine. Make sure to check with your OB though. I was on my 40th week when I got my COVID vaccine schedule so my OB asked that I postpone until after I give birth so there wouldn’t be any problem with my hospital admission in case I get fever.
Join online communities. I for one subscribed to Baby Center app. Like with everything, stay informed through reliable sources so you don’t give yourself unnecessary worries.
Pray. It may sound cliche, but I really prayed every single day of my pregnancy. I had a miscarriage before so I was really scared and anxious about getting pregnant again so fast. Praying calmed me, healed me, and allowed me to believe and trust that my heart’s desire is God’s will.
4. What apps/hacks helped you go through your Bagong Nanay journey?
1. Baby Center – the best! 2. Calendar 3. Glow Baby (at least during the 1st 2 months when I record everything from feeding time/amt to count of pee and poop to duration of sleep/nap)
5. What are you most excited about 2022 for you and your child?
Lati be like, “2022, I’m coming for you!”
With the ease of restrictions, we’re finally able to visit our hometown for the Christmas holidays where my baby was able to meet our relatives. So I’m looking forward to more opportunities like this where I can share to my loved ones my little bundle of joy. Haha!
Also, we haven’t brought Lati to any amusement park yet because I’m still anxious about visiting public attractions, but hopefully we can this 2022.
He’ll also be celebrating his 1st bday on 2022 so I’m excited to start planning already.
Excited for what 2022 has in store for you, Mommy Paula and Lati!
6. In only six words, describe what kind of Bagong Nanay you are.
By-the-book but also somewhat laid-back mom
I like to read and observe, then bombard my son’s pedia with questions on our next visit (if I haven’t already asked on Viber hahaha). Knowing calms me so I don’t freak out easily when I notice something out of the ordinary.
I am Paula from Mandaluyong. I am the Bagong Nanay of Lati, 7 months old. When I’m not being a doting mama, I binge-watch on Netfix or catch up on office work that I didn’t get to finish because I was either checking Lati on the baby cam/video calling him.
Need another Bagong Nanay to talk to? Join the Bagong Nanay Community on Viber and on Telegram. Send me a message for the invite link.
Relate din ba kayo na when we became moms, parang may something na nangyari sa ating mga brains. Haha. Either nagiging makakalimutin, or dahil nag-maternity leave, parang feeling natin may mga changes when it comes to decision-making dahil siguro sa lack of sleep and other factors.
Ako, guilty ako dito. Ang term nga, madalas akong ‘sabaw.’ Haha. And it’s okay! Meron naman pwedeng gawin to keep our mind back to being sharp and healthy eh! Ang mahalaga we do something to improve everyday. At hindi naman mahirap gawin. Mahalaga lang, aware tayo sa mga need natin gawin at kung para saan natin ito ginagawa. Maternal mental health is important, mommies!
Kaya naman, I asked the Bagong Nanay community on Instagram (na 2,000 followers and counting na, btw, woohoo!) kung ano ang ginagawa nila to keep their mind sharp and focused. At ito ang top 10 na sagot nila!
1. Pray and meditate
Ang daming sumagot nito like Mommy Chesca, and I can also relate kasi iba talaga yung feeling when you take time to talk to your Creator. Parang instant peace of mind siya, samahan mo pa ng deep breaths.
Photo credit: Studio Maria for Mamas Facebook Page
Kahit say a short prayer lang when you start the day, or read some scriptures, iba siyang pang-kickstart ng day. Kung trip mo ito gawin habang nagdidiffuse ng essential oils, perfect oil ang Frankincense.
2. Exercise
Naalala ko sabi sa akin ng isa kong Bagong Nanay friend na motherhood is her workout. Yung pagbuhat, paghabol, at pakikipaglaro kay baby while you are doing your chores or work, nakakapagod na talaga at nakakapayat ha!
Pero if you’ve been thinking about taking your postpartum fitness workout seriously, I highly recommend that you follow Coach Mindy Lagdameo on Instagram. She is the Philippines’ first postpartum core rehab specialist, and member din siya ng Bagong Nanay community. She posts helpful workout tips, and how it helped her fight postpartum depression.
Sa kanya mo malalaman kung ano ang diastasis recti at magugulat ka na baka meron ka pala nito.
Photo credit: Mindy Lagdameo on Facebook
3. Read books
Eto for sure, isa sa mga effective ways talaga to keep your mind sharp. Especially sa panahon ngayon na ang daming kung anu-anong content online (gaya nito, hehe), iba pa rin ang feeling and benefit when you sit down and read a book.
Trivia: I am a big fan of American horror writer Stephen King. Kaya I started the group Stephen King Philippines on Facebook to gather his Filipino fans. Kaso when I became a mom, wala na akong nabasang Stephen King book ulit, kasi either wala akong chance or hahablutin ng toddler ko ang binabasa ko.
Eto nalang ang mga nababasa ko recently, at memorized ko na by heart. This book taught me that I could be a nanay and more. Diba?
Recently, I shared my top 3 books on Instagram. You can watch it here. Ikaw, anong favorite book mo?
4. Attend online webinars and trainings
As a content creator, ang daming updates and new features ng mga social media sites like Facebook and Instagram, and need natin mag-keep up! Diba, isang araw, bigla nalang may Reels sa Instagram, na kamukhang-kamukha ng TikTok. Hehe.
Kaya naman, I join digital marketing trainings by Go Digital ASEAN – The Asia Foundation on SEO, Facebook ads, and more. Free lang siya. Recommended ko din ang mga webinars ng Smart Parenting, Mommy Mundo, Babypalooza PH, at M2 Lactation Club, especially for moms! Maswerte tayo, madaming free webinars to enrich our minds ngayon, at may chance pa to win prizes!
I also joined the Soulful Socials 21-Day Reels Boot Camp, and it’s fun! You can check out my fellow boot campers’ reels by searching #SSReelsBootCamp on Instagram. Ang gaganda ng content, promise!
Eto yung first time ko to create on Instagram Reels, and proud ako dito. Hehe.
5. Listen to music and podcasts
Still my favorite purchase for this year ang Spotify Premium. Napansin ko kasi nagiging mas productive ako when I work while listening to my curated playlist – nang walang ads. Hehe.
Minsan naman when I sort my desktop files or packing orders, I listen to podcasts. My favorite is Paano Ba ‘To podcast by Bianca Gonzales, and Wake Up With Jim & Saab by the Bacarro power couple.
Grabe this ep, I just listened to this now, and super relate!!!
Ang daming mapupulot na wisdom sa mga podcasts nila, and they are all for free!
6. Rest and sleep
Isa ito sa mga pinakamahalagang healthy habits na kailangan nating matutunang mga Bagong Nanay na gawin. When we gave birth, naging interrupted na ang sleeping patterns natin, and when we realize it, 2 years old na pala ang anak natin, so 2 years na tayong puyat!
The more puyat we are, the more grumpy and indecisive we become. And hindi yun healthy for our brain. Rest when you can. Easier said than done, pero if we put premium on sleep, madami talagang magbabago sa buhay natin for the better.
7. Social media detox
Once in a while, need natin mag-take ng social media breaks. Because we should do anything in moderation, ika nga. Sa dami ng mga kaganapan sa social media, minsan toxic din ito for our mental health. Ang tanong: kaya mo bang hindi mag-Facebook or Instagram for a day? May kilala ako, nag-log out siya from all of her social media accounts for a few years already! Read her story here.
8. Watch K-Drama shows
Yes yes yes. Kim Seon Ho, at ang lahat ng mga oppa natin ay good for our mental health. Hehehe. During my first few months as a Bagong Nanay, doon ko na-discover ang world of K-Drama. Yung mga times na kailangan gising ka habang nagpapadede, yung mga time na clingy si baby at naka-latch lang dahil growth spurt. Kdrama ang kasama ko to survive each day, kasi laging gising ang diwa mo kay Park Seo Jun or Jung Hae In. Lol kaya mo ba silang tulugan. Hahaha.
9. Enjoy your coffee
I’m not a coffee drinker, but I know a lot of people who can’t start their day without drinking coffee. For Nanays, good luck if you can drink your coffee while it’s hot! Pero yes, don’t just drink your coffee, but enjoy it because that’s how it can help you stay focused and perked up to face the day! And if you are looking for a healthier version of coffee, try malunggay coffee here!
10. Play
Play online games, or play with your child. Just as how kids get smarter through play, ganun din tayo as adults!
Just do something that you enjoy, and that will help your mind happy and healthy!
Kaya naman, check out this FREE wellness activity book from Doctors Without Borders. This is a good resource on how you can not only keep your mind sharp, Nanay, but improve your overall health by doing simple yet proven effective routines everyday.
Libre lang siya, so if you have a printer at home, go ahead and print it! Share it to other moms who may need a breather too. Di natin alam gaano nila ito ka-kailangan.
Photo credit: Doctors Without Borders website
Bagong Nanay, kung gusto mo ng printed copy nito, just share this LINK to your social media sites, and tag @bagongnanay in your post, and we will choose five (5) moms whom we will send printed copies for FREE! Who knows, baka samahan ko pa ng samples ng Mother Nurture Malunggay Coffee. :)
Have a great week ahead, Bagong Nanay! You are so loved.
How are you? I know iba-iba ang struggles natin bilang nanay. And by sharing our unique stories and experiences, we inspire and empower other nanays that they are not alone in this journey.
Yaaan ang objective ng Bagong Nanay. Our goal is to serve as a platform to reach more moms who might be struggling because indeed, the struggle is real.
For our #KuwentongBagongNanay, I am honored to share the story of Mommy Honey Quiambao-Iresare. She is known on social media as The Mom of Hyper Kids. Isa siya sa mga first supporters ng Bagong Nanay since 2019, and lagi ko siya nakaka-message about mom life and struggles lalo na sa gabi, pag tulog na ang mga bata.
I invited her to share her story because it’s also her advocacy to help Bagong Nanays who are going through the same – in her words – surviving the menace.
She is a mom of two girls, who both have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. And it’s very timely because October is ADHD awareness month.
Read on, and find out how it’s like to be a mom of hyper kids.
1. What’s a day in your life like, as a mom of kids with ADHD?
Stressed. Hahaha. And still overwhelmed.
I wake up at 4am to prepare to go to the wet market by 5am, para makaiwas sa madaming tao dahil pandemic. I will then prepare breakfast. Minsan full breakfast, pero minsan sapat na yung pandesal and egg with mayonnaise or butter. Request nila madalas yun.
From 8am to 12:30pm, nagbabantay ako sa mga bagets habang class nila, kasi usually they do Alt-Tabbing (or shifting tabs) to play rather than to listen to their class, lalo na yung bunso ko.
Then, we will have lunch, and I will prep for my hubby naman kasi may pasok siya ng afternoon. I will prepare food and set up his workplace. Then, nap time for the kids. Minsan nakikisabay ako, or yun na yung time na pupunta ako sa grocery or mall to run errands or to check the renovations being done in our apartment.
Dinner time, then magtuturo ako sa kids sa homework nila. Advanced lessons. Usually gumagawa na ako ng reviewer nila and practice exams para pag exam week na nila, meron kaming sample test at hindi na sila mahihirapan mag-review.
Then, patutulugin ko na sila. It takes 3 hours bago sila makatulog kasi mataas ang energy level nila. Pag tulog na sila, doon palang ako makakapaglinis ng house.
Thankful naman ako kasi yung sister ng hubby ko nakakatulong ko na sa bahay. Kami din nagpalaki sa kanya since baby siya kaya medyo magaan na din ngayon routine ko unlike dati as in kulang na kulang ako sa time.
Tapos sa gabi dun ako gagawa ng content ko lalo na pag merong projects. Then sa free time ko, binge-watching habang nagtutupi ng damit. And doing budgeting for the day.
Mahilig talaga ako mag multi-tasking, nakasanayan ko na talagang ganun, minsan nag-o-online games din ako pero saglit lang. More on MMORPG games ko.
Basta ang hindi ko dapat makalimutan for myself is skin care, lalo na at lagi akong puyat. Importante sa akin na maganda pa din ang skin ko.
Mommy Honey Quiambao-Iresare with her kids Izai, 11; and Mamai, 9
2. Can you share briefly how you found out that your child has ADHD? What were your observations and how was it like when you sought professional help for the first time?
Actually, it was not me who discovered it. Super proud pa nga ako sa first-born ko kasi as early of 6 months, she can do phonetics, count numbers 1-20, binabaliktad pa nga niya. She can do it.
Ang hindi lang niya magawa is to construct sentences at age of 1 or 2. Tapos she can’t stay at one place. She has a fleeting eye contact. She can’t focus on you, pero if you ask her, she can answer you right away with correct answers.
Mommy Honey’s kids 💜
Her pedia was the one who noticed that, and she recommended to consult a development pediatrician (Dev Ped). Then my daughter was under observation until she was 3 years old. She was confirmed to have slight autism. Her IQ is two steps ahead of her age. The concerns were her EQ and social skills.
Then my youngest child, although we suspected that she might just be mimicking her ate, had the same signs. She is far more hyperactive than her ate. High level ADHD. She also has a high IQ.
But these are all now being corrected through their ongoing Occupational Therapy sessions. It really helps them. I also engage them in activities where they can channel their energy, and teach them to socialize.
As a mom of hyper kids, I use social media to share our journey, which made me somehow an advocate of ADHD parenting. I also love to give advice to parents of kids with ADHD, who are in the state of denial and confusion.
Mommy Honey Quiambao Iresare for bagongnanay.com
3. What are the unspoken struggles of being a mom of kids with ADHD?
Sometimes, I wish I were invisible.
I find it very challenging already to discipline my kids, then add the pressure and judgment coming from other people. Also the burden of educating others who don’t understand what ADHD is.
💜💜
For my kids, I need to be smarter than them. Haha. They have the tendency to use their wit and brains, including their charms to get what they want.
I also struggle when they are having anxiety attacks and self-pity. Especially when people avoid them or are scared of them because they think my kids will hurt them. My eldest is scared of being left behind. She is sensitive to rejection.
For now, pina-practice ko sila to do things just like other kids do. Doing chores, letting them make decisions, and helping each other kasi ang mindset ko is they need to know how to survive in the real world. Ngayon, marunong na sila mag-saing at mag-prito.
Ang mindset ko is they need to know how to survive in the real world.
Mommy Honey Quiambao Iresare
4. What or who helped you go through this journey? List your top 3.
I am grateful for my uncle and my aunt, who help me take care of my kids. They spoil my kids with so much love and affection
I am also grateful for their occupational therapist, Teacher Gids, who doesn’t give up on them. Especially at the time that I almost gave up, he guides me on how to manage them. He even talks to my kids even outside of their class.
Finally, I’m grateful to my cousins and relatives, who always check on my kids and me as well.
5. What’s your message to other Bagong Nanays who might have children with ADHD?
Have more patience! When talking to your kids, learn how to negotiate. Encourage your kids that they will be and do better.
If you feel that you need to talk or ask advice from a Dev Ped about your child, then do so. It helps.
Finally, remember that you do not owe other people an explanation for your situation. Never explain yourself to others. I have failed on this, but it’s a learning process.
6. In only six words, describe what kind of Bagong Nanay you are.
Fun-loving. Advisor. Warrior. Sometimes rule-follower, sometimes rule-breaker.
I am Honey Quiambao-Iresare from Quezon City.
I am the Bagong Nanay of Izai (11 years old) and Mamai (9 years old).
When I’m not being an all-around wife and nanay and tutor to my kids, I spend my time on online gaming, watching KDrama, writing, reading, cross-stitching, hanging out, unwinding, and sleeping.
Kamusta ka? Tapos mo na ba ang Hometown Chachacha? Ito ang question of the week para sa akin eh, hehe.
Pero grabe, intense ang ating Question of the Week! Tinanong ko lang naman kung ano ang advice ng mga nanay para sa mga Bagong Nanay who are living with their mother-in-law (MIL).
Nakakatuwa marinig ang iba’t ibang opinyon nila, at meron pang nagpadala ng kanyang response anonymously!
Choose your battles
Same goes with friends and family who give unsolicited advice on how to be a parent diba?
Compromise is key
Eto ay kung makikipagkumpromiso din siya.
Second mom
Ang tanong: paano mo ba tinatrato ang mom mo?
Listen. Only.
Iwas gulo ito. Hehehe.
Two words.
Ah pwede naman palang pag-usapan muna. Hehe. Basta si husband ang makikipag-usap!
The art of deadma
A wise nanay once said… haha!
Kiliti
In fairness!
The bottomline is…
Kanya-kanya tayong opinyon, and iba-iba ang experiences natin.
MIL in Heaven
Siguro most of us nanays will become MIL din in the future. How do we want to be remembered by our children? How do we want our in-laws to treat us? Reflect din tayo on this pag may time.
As for me, get to know your MIL and her love language. Baka sakaling magkaintindihan kayo. Talk to your husband if you feel uncomfortable with your setup. And if all else fails, ask God for guidance. Hehe.
Ikaw, anong advice mo sa Bagong Nanays who are living with their mother-in-law? Share mo naman!
![Bagong Nanays Share 10 Ways To Keep Our Minds Sharp [+Free Book!]](https://bagongnanay.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/pexels-photo-8489322.jpeg?w=1024)
Bagong Nanay 