What moms learn from their kids
I learned important lessons from my kids when they were in grade school.
In a previous non-digital era, I used to let them fax their homework to me and I would check and resend from my office. If they wanted to play in the park or go swimming with neighbors, they would call our office landline to ask for permission. I would go home late at night, when they were already tucked in bed by my husband or their yayas.
Then one day, this conversation took place:
KIDS: Mom, we want to be like you, but we don’t like to be like you.
ME: What do you mean?
KIDS: We probably want to be a writer or editor like you, but we don’t want to go home late from work. We want to have dinners together with you as well as Dad. And we also want to have a life.
ME: But we do have meals together... on weekends.
KIDS: And we want to see our children grow.
ME: Ouch.
Since then, I tried my best to call them more often from the office, and most of all, go home earlier. Too bad the era of WFH came decades late.
The irony of ironies is that one of them is now a magazine editor.
Karen Davila
Being a mom to David and Lucas has been the most transformative journey of my life. My sons have taught me more than I ever thought possible—not just about motherhood, but about patience, strength, and unconditional love. David, being on the autism spectrum, has taught me faith. He has such a pure heart. He has taught me to celebrate every small victory and to communicate love in quiet, powerful ways. Lucas is such a kuya to his older brother. He has given me pure joy! Watching them grow has shown me the importance of resilience and the strength in vulnerability. I’ve learned to be an advocate, a teacher, a student, and above all, a constant source of love. They’ve made me more compassionate, more present, and more grateful. Each day with them is a lesson in grace and wonder. This Mother’s Day, I celebrate them for the beautiful souls they are and for everything they’ve taught me about being a mom.
Alice Eduardo
What my kids have taught me can’t be summed up in any book or business plan. They’ve taught me so incredibly much. They’ve taught me that time isn’t measured in hours, but in presence. They’ve taught me that listening is more powerful than fixing. They’ve taught me that laughter and togetherness are the best medicine. They’ve taught me that love isn’t just a feeling, it’s choosing them again and again. They’ve taught me to slow down, even when the world tells me to keep going. And maybe most of all, they’ve taught me that legacy has less to do with what you leave behind, and everything to do with who you choose to walk beside while you’re here. To my children, I’ve built many things in this world, but nothing compares to the foundation of love and strength we’ve created together. I love you all with my very being.
Gloria Diaz
My kids Belle, Ava and Raf have so far taught me patience. Because when they where young, I was always rushing them and we would get into arguments and they would always say, “Relax, later, I hear you!” And yes, they would do it in their own time. Now, as they have their own kids, they also ask their kids to do the same things like “brush your teeth, fix your toys,” etc. And their kids would also say “later.” But now they say, “Okay, later. Make sure.” They are more patient and allow their kids to do things at their pace, which I guess is okay, too. Even with computers, they taught me to wait especially with the turtle-paced internet connection where one needs patience.
Katrina Ponce Enrile
Becoming a mother at 18, I often second-guessed how I was raising my children, but they turned out just fine. They taught me that love and forgiveness matter more than perfection. I had to let go of rigid expectations and respect their own paths in life. Still, I offer guidance and give them space to prove me wrong. They’ve shown me the importance of never giving up on each other. I pray they’ll always believe in me as I do in them. In the end, what keeps us strong is staying together as a family, no matter what.
Michelle Tiangco
What have I learned from my son Tommy? A lot: You don’t have to be a perfect mom—you just have to be a present and loving one. The true meaning of unconditional love. Time flies—so live life to the fullest. Embrace change, because change is the only constant. The simplest moments become the most precious memories. Don’t look for wealth in money—it will never give you true happiness. Prioritize self-care. Do what makes you happy (But please, do some weight training, Mom—ASAP!). Admit your mistakes, apologize, and forgive quickly. Always strive to be the better person. God is my parenting compass. The power of a praying parent is real.
Tootsy Angara
One of the most beautiful lessons Manolo, Ines and Javier have taught me was about compassion. They have reminded me how to listen with an open mind and an open heart. I’ve come to realize that we don’t always need to have solutions or try to change things. Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is to be there for them—fully present, showing love, and understanding at a deeper level.
It was truly eye-opening when our youngest Javier shared his thoughts with me. His honesty made me appreciate how important it is to pay attention to my reactions and to show him that all his feelings are valid.
As moms, it’s our instinct to want to protect our kids from pain and to solve their problems for them. But there are times when they just want us to be there—sitting beside them, lying down with them, and simply sharing the space while they navigate their challenges. It’s in those quiet moments that we create lasting connections. I’m grateful for these insights; they remind me of the beauty of being present in our children’s lives.
Kaye Tinga
When my kids were young and I was still an inexperienced mom, they taught me how to be patient and understanding. My babies didn’t know how to use their words yet, so it was up to me to learn what they wanted and make sure they were comfortable and happy. It was on me to teach them how to speak and use their words.
As the world continues to change, whether it’s technology, music, or how we see ourselves , they are helping me navigate this brave new world with tolerance and an open mind. Now, It’s their turn to teach me the new words.
My children have taught me how to have confidence in myself and what I do because I want to make them proud. I take strength from their achievements, progress, and support to be able to give my best each day.
Kim Camacho
Our kids have taught me that having a diverse group of friends leads to a more interesting life. They have very good interpersonal skills which, thank God, have rubbed off on me. They have taught me how to chill and enjoy the moment and have fun like they do. Another valuable thing they taught me is the importance of pets, especially dogs, in the home. Our lives have all been greatly enriched by the dogs and horses that we treated as members of our family. They provided emotional support and companionship for all of us and made us bond more closely to each other in our common love for our pets.
