Letter From The Editor: Of Love, Sex Ed, And Raising Daughters

Before February rolled in, the Smart Parenting team asked ourselves who gives us the kilig feels. It’s easy to find couples in love—all two parent homes should have this—but kilig? It’s a feeling that I hate to admit, is one I only associate with my younger, pre-parent years. 

Kilig is a feeling I need to pause to think back and remember. Even as our team sat in our weekly huddle, I noticed the moms had to rack their brains too. She must be there. She probably sits in a corner, unnoticed, because her new friends Judith, diapers, and diastis recti are demanding for mom’s attention.

There was only one couple we could think of. They constantly remind us of the kilig of our youth, whether through snippets of their family life online or their famous podcast. Jim and Saab Magalona Bacarro remind us that kilig shifts when you become a parent—now it’s seeing your spouse grow into their parenthood. Or witnessing your child conquer a developmental milestone. 

What caught us by surprise when we shot the Bacarros was how googly-eyed in love they continue to be, two kids later. While love takes on new forms and expressions as husbands, wives, and parents, it’s inspiring to see parents in love, just like a pair of teenagers who can’t get enough of each other. Read their cover story interview here and their parenting stories here.

Love month also made us think of sex, of course. But maybe differently from how others thought about it this month. A few weeks ago, parents were talking about sex education and much was opined online. We reported the news and our Smart Parenting Board of Expert member US-board certified sexologist Dr. Rica Cruz shared her opinion, too.

But that wasn't enough for us. We thought, why not put our money where our mouth is? So, in partnership with Unprude, we mounted our first-ever online+offline Smart Parenting Village Live: How To Talk To Your Kids About Sex.

On February 22, we held a parent workshop where Dr. Rica taught members of Smart Parenting Village why they should be their kids' first sex ed teacher, plus the skills to broach the topic. One of my personal takeaways from the event is her view on sex. She said, "Sex is more than the act—it's about the relationship you build with your child, and how that relationship teaches them to respect themselves, respect others, and share that respect with the world."

You can still watch the livestream via this link on our Facebook page. Our January with Developmental Pediatrician Dr. Jan Harold Sia on Understanding ADHD is also available for viewing. If you have a topic you wish to discuss for our next Smart Parenting Village Live, send us an email at smartparenting.editors@gmail.com or slide into our DMs!

March: Women's Month and Raising our Daughters

This month is also close to our hearts, not just because our team comprises women; we are all girl moms, too. For the past two years, Smart Parenting has celebrated Women's Month by focusing on the next generation of women, our daughters and women in the making, whom we hope will play on a more level playing field than we are when their time comes.

I think of the words Senator Risa Hontiveros said at our Women's Month Smart Parenting Village Live special, words she shares to her own daughters:

"Treasure having been born a woman. I think it was deliberate in the mind of God. It's your way of living, being, and loving in this world. I know there are more particular challenges being born a woman, pero sige, bakahin niyo yan. Ilaban niyo yan."

To say it was a privilege to sit down and interview Senator Hontiveros is a major understatement. Our team could not contain our awe and excitement when we met her. If I'm being honest, there was a bit of kilig in there, too. She was gracious, sharp, and ready to get down to business. The more time we spent with her, the more I recognized what we saw in action: a mom, a woman, with a purpose beyond herself and her family. Sen. Risa casually wove in and out of a range of topics, from how she disciplined her children to the fight against child abuse and exploitation.

This month, we are releasing more content on raising daughters and celebrating women. We hope these will inspire, enlighten, and maybe even be lighthearted and funny. Here's my promise—and I borrow some of Dr. Rica's words—we will empower you, parents, to raise happy, healthy Filipino families so that every child can thrive (not just yours).