The African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child”, may be a cliche but this will always hold true. But for a fledgling family like us with our only daughter, Gwen, the greatest foundation a child can have is from her parents. While we still need all the help we can get from the yaya and from my Nanay, nothing compares to the bond formed between the child and her mommy and daddy.
For a quick background, my Papa is a seafarer and given his line of work, I and my brother were raised by Nanay. And even when Papa is home for a vacation, he got that machoman thing going on that Nanay is the only one in charge to run the household including taking care of us. Jeff’s father passed away early, and since then, he would always wonder how it would be like to have a father figure in his life.
Now that we have our own family, we wanted it to be how the ideal family works. This is why I’m very thankful and proud that Jeff is a hands-on daddy. In fact, he is rockin’ this parenting thing more than I do. He can do all the things needed to do except for cleaning after Gwen’s poop hahaha.
We are far from being perfect parents, but we see to it that we are always present for every milestone in Gwen’s life. We try to be progressive parents, learning and growing with our daughter. We act not according to the norms and traditions, but listening and observing to the needs of our child.
From her pedia’s visits, first day of school, field trip, ballet recitals, and through our family travels, we’ve witnessed how our daughter have blossomed. We became supportive parents just by being there and sharing experiences together.
camping at Burot Beach, December 2015
By being together, we can show her that we love and care for her. That no other thing in this world is more precious than spending time with her.
Spending time to experience more together can be made even better if our child drinks Friso Four. Why Friso? Friso is a pro-digestion milk formula which uses LockNutri, a way of preserving the natural structure of protein, making it easy to digest and lessen the risk of constipation. Friso marries Nature and Science with its grass–to-glass and single-process treatment of milk.
Strong digestion makes our child’s tummies strong inside so that we don’t have to worry about their health. We can focus on what really matters, having quality time with our precious ones.
Friso Four and Mercury Drug Promo
It’s easier raising kids together since each one can really teach something different to the kids.
I agree with the African proverb. It looks easy to raise a child but in actuality, It’s really difficult. They’re so “makulit” while growing up.
Being a parent doesn’t come with a manual so raising kids is easier said than done. It is a great relief if both parents are hands on in raising their children.
Aw. Your post made me miss my kids more. Super! I want to be with them for me to be a mother and raise them well. That’s more easier than me being a far.
E and I also make it a point to be at our daughter’s big milestones. Travelling with her really helps us bond with her even more, because it is just the three of us. 🙂
It is not easy to raise a kid, especially I don’t have someone to rely on except for my husband. So I’m thankful that he is also a hands-on dad and he helps me with my chores.
Being together as a family was our top priority before when my hubby and I were both working in SG. Ang hirap ng long distance with kid. Back then, our son was left in the PH most of the time. There was one time our (take note) 2 y.o son that time told us “Don’t want talk Ipad. I miss you” (referring to those times we only talk via skype or facetime). It was heartbreaking! Now that he’s 3, he still remembers that sad moment, but grateful to God that we are already together as a small family. Glad that you are enjoying your family time together. God bless your family 🙂
I really think Kids are a lot blessed now, with parent like us who truly take time to know them and develop them fully. Kudos to all the parents who devotes time and energy for their children.
These days, having both parents around to raise their children has started to become an ideal family situation and no longer the norm. You’re daughter is blessed to have both of you with her while she’s growing up. 🙂
I salute dads who are hands-on. 🙂 Parents nowadays are more progressive kasi they’re more informed, compared when the Internet does not exist yet. We’re lucky!
Continue being a mom that your daughter will be proud of. God bless! 🙂
I actually like your parenting style mare. Kitang kita naman kung gano kaganda ang character ni Gwen 🙂
My kids are in their teens already, how I miss the old days.
Awww this is sweet. I grew up with parents who are, well, not typical, and my father was/is not like the regular dads. But I’m still thankful to have him as my parent. Your daughter is also blessed to have you both!
Wow. One day I aspire to raise my son and future kids the way you do!
It always takes two to tango, right?! Glad that you are blessed with a loving and supporting husband, and a beautiful daughter too! 🙂
I’m thankful I married someone who dreamed of being a daddy! At least, I can count on him to take care of the kids but yeah, not the poop hahaha! Spending time with the kids when they’re young will always be etched in their hearts. I like reading about your adventures 🙂
I have an OFW father. A few years were spent with just our maternal grandparents until our mom brought us with her to Manila to study. Papa comes home once a year. Like you, I’m also glad to have a hands-on life partner to our son. I’ve given up corpo work to look after the family as it’s really just the three of us. Wala kaming ibang aasahan talaga. I’m thankful to have a husband who shares the joys and challenges of parenting. 🙂
I agree! Raising one is easier said than done..Its always good to have both parents available evwryday for the child. My husband is an ofw and so the kids missed a lot of tomes with their Dad. But im still glad he comes home every month and we make quality time together..
Thank you RJ!
“THAT NO OTHER THING IN THIS WORLD IS MORE PRECIOUS THAN SPENDING TIME WITH HER.” –AMEN to that. There’s nothing more special than spending time with your child and knowing that he/she is okay.
You both rock this parenting thing! And I’m sure Gwen will agree!
It is only now that I have the chance to.see my.boys grow. For so many years, we always rely on a yaya. It feels good talaga to be able.tobe there and witness your kid’s every milestone. Swerte ni Gwen for having hands on parents in you.
It’s always lovely to raise happy, smart, loving and healthy kids! Cheers to parenthood! 🙂
This is the very reason why I chose to become a WAHM. I wanted to be with my son for most of the time instead of being stuck in the traffic. How I wish my husband can also do the same – to be a WAHD. But our finances wouldn’t allow us to do so – for now. 😉
Your daughter is blessed that both of her parents are committed to spend as much time as possible with her. 🙂 There are other kids who aren’t as lucky.
It is important to spend time with our kids as much as we can. When they grow up, baka mainis sila sa atin kakasunod. Haha!
I agree- time is more precious than anything else..this will show how we value the ones we love. The memories from the shared experiences are essential to nurture a child into wonderful human beings.
Time is the greatest gift we can give to those who matter to us. Our kids will always remember the times we are there for them. Those moments will really make them feel loved and cared for.
I love seeing parents who are intentional in making time for their children. This isn’t easy nowadays, you really have to deliberately choose to do it and maybe even give up other things in the process.
Your daughter is very lucky to have you and your husband as parents as it is obvious that your are looking out for her.
I can’t imagine parenting without my husband. I always say that good husbands with sincere love for their kids are blessings from God.