Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Best Starts with Dad

Growing up, my father was never around since he had to work abroad. I remember how our relationship was formed through letters and long distance phone calls (I have to say that Facetime and Skype is really such a blessing now!). I remember being so jealous of my other classmates and friends when their dads would pick them up from school or be around for family day. In my case, I got to spend time with my dad when we would visit him during the summer. 

I remember one particular time when it was my 10th birthday and my dad was finally able to go home. He took me and my friends out to a movie and then to Glico’s after (remember that place in Glorietta? It was the coolest hangout for us kids back then! ;p). I remember being so proud and happy that my dad was finally there in the flesh.

Even though my dad wasn’t there physically most of the time, he still taught me valuable lessons in life. Like how to be a strong and independent woman. I learned to be tough at a young age because it was just me and my mom. I became an achiever in school. I strived more and was determined to succeed and make everyone, especially my dad, proud of me.

Now, having children myself, I’m so thankful that they can spend time with their dad growing up, unlike me. Like my mom, I also became a housewife so that I can be the one to raise my kids. Of course most children are really more attached to their mothers at a young age because it’s the moms, especially stay-at-home ones, who spend the most time with them. I’m sure every father has felt unappreciated and even unwanted at some point in their lives. I remember this post I saw online about how when the kids are with their moms, they ask so many questions like “Mom can I eat this?”, “Mom, can I go out?”, “Mom, can I watch this?” etc etc. But when they’re left alone with their dad, they only ask one thing – “WHERE’S MOM?” hahaha! Actually I can relate, but that doesn’t mean that a father’s role is any less important.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - I am so thankful to my hubby for being so encouraging and allowing me to stay at home while he works to support us. I know he, like many other fathers, has missed out on special moments and milestones. They sacrifice this in order to give their family the best life possible. But it just proves how strong they are because I’m sure any dad would gladly give anything to spend more time with his kids if he could.

That is why I find it so great that Mead Johnson Nutrition recognizes not just mothers but fathers as well in giving the best starts for their kids. Hubby has been so hands on as a father ever since and he still is until now. I know I wouldn’t have handled being a new mother as well without him being there every step of the way. But I’ll be honest. There are times that I go crazy at home with 2 rowdy kids turning the house upside down, fighting with each other, wanting my undivided attention when all I want is a minute to myself. This is when hubby steps in, taking the kids while I take a few deep breaths to calm myself down. After a while, I find them in their room, laughing and playing with their dad like nothing was wrong 10 minutes ago (I guess good cop / bad cop really does work ;p). But seriously, I think dads are there to balance out us crazy, dramatic moms! And when the kids don’t want to listen to me, I find that asking dad to talk to them sometimes works better. ;p

As our kids are growing up so quickly, I’m glad that I have their dad here to help me raise our children to be strong, well-rounded individuals. I recall this quote “Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad.” And I am lucky that the man I married has turned out to be such a loving, devoted and wonderful dad. Even though he comes home tired from work, he makes an effort to play with the kids, take them to the park, and the most important duty of all - wash their butts after they do number 2 (he really is an expert already haha!). We still have a long road ahead of us (both kids will be in school already by next year, and I don’t even want to think about the teenage years!) but I think we have a pretty good foundation which hopefully will translate well even as our kids become adults in the future. J

With Father’s Day coming up, celebrate your child's Best Starts in life with Dad with Mead Johnson Nutrition, makers of Enfakid A+ and Lactum 3+ & 6+, by sharing your best father and child photo. Like the Best Starts with Dad Facebook page, upload your photo and you can get a chance to win a MacBook Air, iPhone 5, and iPad Minis.


You can even get a FREE photo shoot for your kids with their dad (follow Best Starts with Dad for details) and use it as an entry. Visit the Shangri-La Plaza Atrium on May 18-19 and get that Best Start father and child moment captured on camera!

Below is a heartwarming video from Mead Johnson Nutrition that features REAL fathers (not actors). Watch them deliver messages of hopes and wishes for their children.


What is your Best Start with Dad?

Cheers to dads everywhere! ;p

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