Being a mom is one of the toughest yet most rewarding jobs in the world. Aside from taking charge of the growth and development of their children, mothers carry a lot of responsibilities in the household. Mothers experience a lot of pressure that often times lead them to feel doubtful and critical about themselves.
PLDT Home tackles these parenting concerns in new video series, showcasing the real stories of parents who continue to conquer parenting fears and the struggles of parent guilt especially in this pandemic. Inspired by the series, other celebrity moms took to social media to speak up on their own concerns, learning to embrace their unique parenting styles.
Mother of four and wife to chef Luigi Muhlach, Patty Muhlach admitted that raising children in a pandemic is a major challenge despite genuinely enjoying each other’s company and being happy most of the time.
“Our days are not always as rosy as this. We also have our worst days as a couple/family. Luigi and I had to work hard on self-improvement and our marriage. [Our struggles] made us stronger and closer,” she said.
It’s also important, Patty said, that parents acknowledge that “there is no roadmap when it comes to parenting especially during [a] pandemic.”
“At the end of the day, I think it is about having fun and loving each other,” she claimed.
And loving yourself meant accepting that you can make mistakes and it’s okay to have flaws because according to DJ and radio host Andi Manzano-Reyes, “Even if you think you have a lot of baggage, or you have a lot of flaws, in the eyes of your kids, you’re perfect.”
Andi admitted that she always set such a high standard for herself as a mom and along the way, the mother of Olivia and Amelia realized that she needed to accept herself just as she is.
“One piece of advice I’d probably tell myself is: you’re doing great,” she said.
The same realization is what model and entrepreneur Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez discovered: it’s okay if things don’t work out because what’s important is that kids “see the generous manner, connection, and exchange happening in the family.”
“[Children] are aware parents aren’t perfect beings and mistakes are episodes to pick up wisdom and humor from. We can just start over,” Tweetie explained.
The constant reminder to not be too hard on yourself has likewise helped journalist Marie Lozano navigate parenting on social media.
“There’s just too much noise, too much opinion about parenthood right now. People felt like they had the right to comment asking me about being a mother or asking me about my past relationship. What’s important is living a life that’s real. You don’t have to please anybody,” she said.
Reminding herself that what’s important is that she’s giving her 100% as a mom and as a friend to 13-year-old Nikos is not only more than enough–it’s everything.
“I love him unconditionally, better is not necessarily the best. Another parent could be a better parent but I’m the best for him because I’m willing to do anything and willing to try,” Marie said.
In the end, Patty, Tweetie, Andi, and Marie may be in different stages of parenting and may have different parenting experiences but one thing they all agree on is that every parent that gives everything and loves their children is the best parent.
“There has never been a time like this and there has never been a mom like you,” they declared.
