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.
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
*sponsored post
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