Being a parent is a daunting responsibility on its own. But Judy Ann Santos, who juggles motherhood with a showbiz career, numerous endorsement obligations, and other professional responsibilities, seems to be doing it all effortlessly.
Despite her hectic four-day filming schedule, Juday, as she is fondly called by her millions of fans, still makes it a point to spend as much time as she can with her husband, Ryan agoncillo, and their two kids, Yohan, 8, and Lucho, 2. In the November 2012 issue of Good Housekeeping Philippines, the country’s teleserye queen shares her hands-on approach to parenting. Read on for the veteran actress’ mommy tips!
1. SET ASIDE A SPECIFIC TIME TO SPEND WITH THEM DAILY.
Mornings are sacred time for bonding with her family. “Gusto ko silang makasama sa umaga. Ayokong masanay sila na hindi ako nakikita sa umaga. Gusto kong maalala ni Yohan that Mommy always makes [her] breakfast. Kung hindi man ako makagawa ng breakfast, may bawi moments ako like we cook together (I like being with them every morning. I don’t want them to get used to not seeing me in the morning. I want Yohan to remember that Mommy always makes her breakfast. If I can’t make their breakfast, I try to make it up to her by doing things like cooking together.). I want Yohan to know that whatever Mommy can do, she can do also.”
2. GET ACTIVE WITH THEM.
Family time also consists of playing Wii games, dancing Zumba, and exercising together. “Matutuwa ka kay Lucho. Suma-sabay siya sa CrossFit ng daddy niya. Or kapag nag-co-CrossFit kami ni Ryan, sasabayan nila kaming dalawa. We also want them to know that maganda 'yung napapawisan (You’ll be amused by Lucho. He joins his daddy when he does his CrossFit routine. Or he would join me and Ryan when we do CrossFit. We also want them to know that it’s good to break a sweat.). It’s healthy for us and for them as well.”
3. ENCOURAGE THEM TO ENJOY THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE.
Judy also shares her desire to let the children play outdoors and fondly recalls the good ol’ days when she would play patintero or hide-and-seek. “Gusto naming ituro sa kanina yung simple pleasures. Hindi lahat dapat nababayaran o lagi nasa Internet (We want to teach them the simple pleasures. Not everything should be paid for or be on the Internet.)," she said. "We want them to be active. Karamihan ng mga bata ngayon tamad gumalaw dahil puro computer games lang sila buong araw (A lot of kids nowadays have become so lazy because they’re playing computer games the whole day.).”
To learn more about Judy Ann Santos, grab a copy of the November 2012 issue of Good Housekeeping Philippines, out on stands now! You can also subscribe to the magazine’s digital edition.
Also in this issue:
Flat Tummy, Minimum Effort
"Is It OK to Lie to My Kids?"
Super Easy Recipes from Celeb Chefs
(Photo by Raymund Isaac)
