• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Momma 'N Manila

Growing through parenting

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
  • Nourish
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Cheers
    • Guest Recipes
  • Advocate
    • Autism
    • Best Buddies
    • Down Syndrome
    • Special Needs
  • Gather
    • Crafternoons
    • Entertaining at Home
    • Events
    • Mothers Who Brunch
    • DIY
  • Review
    • 4 KIDS
    • Dining
    • Travel
    • Home & Hearth
    • Health & Beauty
    • Giveaways
    • Fashion
  • Nurture
    • Education
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
    • Yoga
  • MWB

Education Events Gather Nurture Parenting

Super Moms need Super Friends

There are lots of labels for parents. Helicopter parents, Tiger moms, single parents, SuperMoms, Working Moms, Hipsters, Crunchy Moms, Wolf Dads, Panda Dads, Lawnmower parents, Free Range parents, Attachment parents, or even Dragon moms are the labels that have been trending recently. There was a time when we were just parents…it wasn’t that long ago, but for some reason parenthood has been taken a step further to include these labels which differentiate us from one another.

IMG_2051

Gia, Miguel, Diego, and Evangelina make me want to be a better person. That doesn’t happen without some real work. Work on our relationships and work on ourselves.

Truth be told, I don’t know if I even like these labels. I think we are all in this together, somehow labeling ourselves or others somehow creates a divide…

I’ve been called a SUPER MOM a few times in my life, but I really don’t FEEL like a Super Mom. I know that people mean it as a compliment, when they label me, and that from where they stand I look like I have it all together. I’m managing the house, taking care of the kids, their nutrition and their schooling, while balancing my relationship with my husband, my family, my in-laws and my (late blooming) career.

This year has brought me to my "edge" in many different ways. I love the opportunities that have been presented to me to grow outside of my comfort zone.

This year has brought me to my “edge” in many different ways. I love the opportunities that have been presented to me to grow outside of my comfort zone.

To be honest, most of the time, I feel like I’m chasing the clock, trying really hard, and then sometimes-wishing that I could some how cut myself in two so I could be in two different places at once. I think the feeling I dislike the most is when I fall short of my own expectations. (Of course, we are our own worst critics.) You know that feeling you sometimes get, when you realize you may or may not have forgotten something that was totally important to your kid?

Between balancing all of my responsibilities, taking time to take care for myself, and taking time to nurture each of the relationships that are dear to me, often times I feel something is being left out, forgotten, or overlooked. Just the other day, a co-parent asked me if I sent in my son’s baby picture for the yearbook. I had no idea I HAD to send it in! So, just like that, when she asked me, I ran through all these checklists in my head…did I see a parent note and not read it thoroughly? Did he tell me and I wasn’t present, so I didn’t hear it? Was it in an email or the home notes that I somehow missed? And so now-I have to scramble and see if I can submit his baby picture for him to still be included in the yearbook. What’s worse is that feeling that it would be MY fault if my kids’ are somehow short changed, left out, or picked on because I’m spreading myself too thin and not doing right by their needs.

IMG_6475

Coach Pia has free sessions every second Tuesday of the month in Fully Booked on High Street. To learn more about The One Core you can visit their FB page.

In the most recent SoMoms #betterme #session with Coach Pia, we discussed “The Art of Co-Parenting: Raising a Child as a Team.” This session was generously sponsored by Philips Avent and as a Trusted Mom, I was able to attend.

Nino and I try to be the best parents we can be. We remind each other to be mindful with our language, our intentions, and our expectations for our children. If I am going to own the Super Mom label in this post, I can’t do it without the help of my partner, my kids’ Super Dad. Raising children is really hard. As Coach Pia points out, there are many things we must realize about ourselves if we are going to strive to be the best parents we can be. Identifying our own core issues can help us be better partners. If our children see that we have a healthy relationship, it sets the tone for our relationships with each one of them. It also sets the example of what they believe a relationship should be, for in the future if they have partners of their own, they can end up emulating our relationship to some extent. So this means that we can be better PARENTS to our children if we are better partners to our spouses. Makes sense, right?

 

If I'm going to own SuperMom, I need SuperDad by my side.

If I’m going to own SuperMom, I need SuperDad by my side. We were so young when we got married. I often joked Nino that we had to be friends before we could become lovers. Turns out that’s exactly the way we needed to do it. If you are parenting with your BFF, the job you have ahead of you seems just a little easier because you are in it together.

According to Coach Pia, in order for us to improve upon our relationship, we must commit to a willingness to maintain and develop trust, to continuously learn about each other, to communicate, cooperate, adapt, let go, and sacrifice for the sake of our partners to grow as individuals. In turn, working on these characteristics of our own relationship, enables us to build healthier relationships with our children.

KAT_2187

Setting the example for our children of what a healthy relationship can be is vital to the way they will form relationships as well.

Coach Pia has given the SoMoms strategies and concrete ways to improve our relationships with our children, lest we forget because we are caught up in the daily grind. So-this is where my “Super Friends” come into the picture. These are the women I look to when the chaos is just too much. They can relate, they can help carry the load, they can pitch in when they see me completely off kilter. Sometimes, they might just be on the other end of the phone when I feel it’s too much to bear, and I need to vent. I can attach a label it for you if you want: These are the women that are my support network. They are the women (and sometimes men) who help me do my job, and most of the time, they help me do my job better.

Group shot of our session :-)

Group shot of our session 🙂

If Nino and I are a “TEAM,” in our co-parenting, my Super Friends are like my back up singers, in a band, and I’m the lead-singing lullabies about how to live life to my kids. As I’ve grown older, my support network has expanded to include members of my family, childhood friends, college sorority sisters, co-leaders to my girl scouts, co-parents in my children’s school, moms who live near by in the village where I reside, my Reiki group, and now most recently the SoMoms (& SoDad) and Coach Pia. How lucky am I, that I benefit from the experience of all of these people who are willing to share themselves with me and my children!

1262826_667912516553359_1740505253_o (1)

Many of the activities we participate in together, have a positive impact on our lives, our parenting, our relationships, our businesses and our happiness. We inspire one another. We support one another. One activity that we all look forward to is our #sessions with Coach Pia.

I’m so thankful that Philips Avent sponsored our SoMoms #session with Coach Pia. I really look forward to our sessions because I feel like a better person after each one. I feel like a better mom, a better wife, a better friend and daughter. Our sessions with Coach Pia enable me to assess where I can improve in my life, and how I can further my own happiness without feeling selfish or guilty about taking time for myself. If I can say that I practice yoga to achieve balance in life, attending just a few sessions with Coach Pia has already improved my chances in achieving that balance.   

Philips AVENT is a really great example of how moms’ jobs can be be made easier with the help of quality products. A faithful AVENT user since my first child was born, I was pleased to be asked to represent the brand as a Trusted Mom. From breast pumps, to bottles and later feeding sets, they have helped me nurture my children and foster independence in feeding as well. I will write more about the feeding set that we were all gifted by Philips AVENT during our session.

I will be reviewing this feeding set for Gelli very soon. Be on the look out for this future post.

I will be reviewing this feeding set for Gelli very soon. Be on the look out for this future post.

Another sponsor for our #betterme #session was Babyland. They have this new venue upstairs in their Shaw Blvd. location which seemed perfect for baby showers, small parties, and gatherings. There was even a cute little play area for the kids.

This play area was super cute, I think Gelli would really like it here.

This play area was super cute, I think Gelli would really like it here.

Mere Et Bebe took care of our lunch and gifted us with some adorable treats for our kiddos. You can find there super soft cottony Luvable Friends line in Landmark, Babyland, and Baby Company.

I had these cute tees for Gelli washed already. They are so soft!

I had these cute tees for Gelli washed already. They are so soft! Thanks Claudine!

 

 

 

 

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related


« Heart2Hearth at Salcedo Market
Yahoo! Yabu is opening in ATC! »

Hello and Welcome!


Hi! Here is where I share my thoughts on yoga, cooking, crafting, raising a special child, exploring, eating, playing, and living in Manila.
READ MORE

You can also say hi or email me at mish@mommanmanila.com

Twitter

Tweets by @mishaventajado

Pinterest

Recent Posts

  • Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • A Grapeful Summer with Taste Australia
  • Suite Treat Mommy Weekend at Marco Polo Manila
  • Weekend Grills at the Bay City Café

Archives

Categories

Recent Comments

  • Ran on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • michelle on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • Ran on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • michelle on LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • Angelie G. Y. Melsbo on LUMOS RAY Projector Review

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @mommanmanila

mommanmanila

It’s December 1st! Is there anything more delic It’s December 1st!

Is there anything more delicious than the smell of Christmas and the new found freedom as we anticipate celebrating the holidays with our families again?

@festivalmall has hosted a series of musical shows since November 5th that include Ace Banzuelo and Silent Sanctuary. Check out Michael Pangilinan on December 10th, too!

With Santa visiting, Christmas parties, arts and crafts and lots of promos, you can even enter for a chance to win a Toyota Fortuner!

Best of all-I love it when the places we know give purpose to their celebrations. Thank you #FestivalMall for partnering with @dsapi1  this holiday season. 

Thank you for sharing all the different ways we can celebrate the holidays with you!

#tistheseason #seasonofgiving #downsyndromeawareness #aintnothingdownaboutit #upsyndrome
I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Th I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Through this learning exercise with @usapeecphl, I have learned a bit more about these little birds that have bigger breast parts, and thank you Chef @ivoryyat for showing me how easy it is to prepare Greek Lemon Roasted Cornish Hens with Roasted Potatoes.
 
Clean and fresh flavors are perfect for these smaller birds that are rich in protein with zero carbs. Try the recipe in the comments section. I’m sure you’d enjoy it as much as I did!
 
Interested in U.S. Cornish Hens? You can buy them in stores near you. #CornishHen #USCornishHen #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ad
@gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @pura @gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @puratosph products that they sent over the other day. Ready to use Bavarian Cream made these Cream Puffs easier than ever. I think we have to figure out how to temper our couverture better…

#workinprogress #wasdelicious #giabaked #puratosph #gavinosph #anyonecanbake
@mommymundo always has a way of bringing together @mommymundo always has a way of bringing together just what we need, no matter the time of year. Loving these photos of my first boy that were snapped @expomom.

Anyone else thinking about #HolidayPhotos? I am not one of those moms that has it all together before Christmas. It’s usually a mad dash for us at the end of the year, but if it’s anything that the past few years has taught me, it’s that the little things are what makes the Christmas special.

Many of us haven’t been together with the extended family or even our immediate family in so long. That means it’s the perfect time to document.

@nextbymetrophoto will be hosting one last Christmas Marathon family photo shoot before the end of year. Check them out or shoot them a message. They have some cute set-ups.
****GIVEAWAY ALERT*** 10 things I LOVE about @sed ****GIVEAWAY ALERT***

10 things I LOVE about @sedahotels listed here and on FB!

1. Each property has a Signature Dish. If you can’t make it to Bacolod, you can still enjoy Chicken Inasal in any of their properties.

2. Clean Design. So easy to work and play in a space that is light, modern, and clean in design. 

3. Beautiful views. Every chance I got, I would sit outside at @straightupatseda. 

4. Spacious Rooms and Residence Stays. Staying in the Three Bedroom Premier was perfect for our family. 

5. Attentive Service. Everyone was pleasant and accommodating.

6. Centrally Located. If you are thinking of fun things to do in Makati and want a home base, Seda Residences Makati is near a few of the museums, parks, and malls.

7. Work with ease. Internet service is uninterrupted. Meeting rooms are available and easy to book.

8. Relax and Play. From mid-day tubbies with Gelli to, taking advantage of the pool, or the children’s room, the little girl had more than enough things to keep her busy!

9. #FamilyTime. Spending an extended amount of time outside our own space led to laughter, fun conversations, and opportunities to try new things. We were comfortable and rested in the space we were in, which meant more opportunities for us to connect.

10. Homegrown with a Purpose. A Filipino brand that understands the importance of both work and travel, each property is important to the city & province location. Environmentally aware by adopting Mayumi, a Philippine Bald Eagle. 🦅

Want to win your own staycation at #SedaResidencesMakati?

Up for grabs is one night in a ONE BEDROOM DELUXE for two persons with breakfast!

Here’s how to enter to win:
1) Follow @sedahotels 
2) Follow @mommanmanila & @kitchen143 
3) Tag a friend (or more) who love(s) staycations too!
4) Comment why you should win this staycation treat!

Plus points for people who share this post in stories and the winner will be announced on December 6th.
Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work. Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work.

@kitchen143 is something I really do love. Sharing a little bit of my kitchen with viewers and followers brings me joy. Even better when I get to work with chefs whom I can learn from and friends who like to spend time in the kitchen too!

#Thanksgiving
Thankful for the gift of music. Wish I caught mor Thankful for the gift of music.

Wish I caught more mini moments from We Will Rock You.

Such a great musical!

@sedahotels 
#sedaresidencesmakati 
#sedaat10
Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. @gelliaventajado j Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. 

@gelliaventajado joined our family and led me to @bestbuddies. 

Thankful for all the ambassadors who were able to spend time with us. And for @smlpeeps  and @asurionphcareers for helping make magic happen on Saturday afternoon for #Friendsgiving.

#Thanksgiving #bestbuddiesph
Thankful for women who share their faith with me. Thankful for women who share their faith with me. 

#Thanksgiving
Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at this time of year? Whole turkeys require serious commitment to cook. #IYKYK But because U.S. Poultry is now available here in the Philippines, that also means preparing turkey is a tad bit easier.
 
Frozen U.S. turkey products are available and ready to cook for people who want to dabble with flavors for this bigger bird but aren't sure how.
 
Thank you to Chef @ivoryyat for putting together a medley of my favorite fall flavors. This combination of apples, sweet potatoes, and maple syrup perfectly compliment  the roasted turkey leg and remind me of flavors and scenes from back in New York. 
 
@usapeecphl l has the highest standards that follow USDA requirements which are certified safe before shipping to the Philippines. Get them in stores near you. 

#ad #Turkey #USTurkey #Thanksgiving #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ServeTurkey #EatTurkey
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Blog Design by Fancy Girl Design Studio

Copyright © 2023 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...