2012 Half-Year Review: 10 Mommy Trends and Newsmakers

It’s just halfway through the year and yet countless trends have already been making their way into the lives of today’s Pinoy mom.  Moms from all over were asked to answer a quick survey about what keeps them busy and buzzing for the past half year, and here are the results:

10. Cupcake Frenzy

Adding up to the Pinoy moms’ skills of cooking, housekeeping, child-rearing, costume-making and home decorating among others is the skill of party-planning. While cakes have always been the centerpiece of any children’s party, it now shares the spotlight with cupcakes, if not totally replaced by them. From birthdays, to moving up days, baptisms and other milestones in a child’s life, no party is complete without the infamous cupcake display. These colorful cups of goodness usually show off the main theme with its elaborate and intricate designs, and equally diverse flavors - red velvet, chocolate, cream cheese or butter. In fact, some cupcakes look extremely good and too cute for words that it would be a shame to even take a bite!

Photo by .betty b. from flickr creative commons

9. 50 Shades of Grey Trilogy

These days, grey is no longer just a color that speaks of neutrality, nor does it refer to McDreamy’s love interest. Grey is now more popularly known as Christian Grey, a manipulative billionaire who charms the young Anastasia Steele into having a very hot and steamy affair with him. Undeniably one of the biggest-selling novels of all time, E.L. James’ 50 Shades trilogy is also one of the most controversial ones to ever make it this big. Mothers from all over are surprisingly intrigued and drawn to its erotic and empowering nature, thus earning the title “mommy porn.” The book has been receiving a lot of rants and raves, but the only sure claim for those who haven’t read it yet is this: This book is not for the conservative and lighthearted.

Photo from thewifestore.com

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8.Instagram

Pinoy moms believe that you can never be too young to pose for the camera, whether you end up as a model or not. When they do not hire professionals to take portraits of their children, moms themselves often take the photographer track to document their babies’ cuteness. With the ever-reliable Instagram mobile phone photo app (a.ka. every mom’s number one run-to app) and an active Instagram account in tow, every picture can be edited with numerous effects, every angle is recorded, and every moment is captured. Each photo brings out an aww moment (or a hundred likes on Facebook), whether the child was in costume or in his most natural or vulnerable state. Now, if only we could teach them how to smile like Tyra Banks.

7. K-12 Educational System in the Philippines

Of all the groups that have been buzzing about this new system that Philippine education began pursuing this schoolyear, mothers are undoubtedly the ones with the most personal interests in the matter. Education, they say, is one of the most important treasures parents can impart on their children. It seems only natural then for parents to want to know the nitty-gritty on how K-12 will affect their children’s future.

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6. Mommy Massages

The queen of the home deserves to be treated like one, and for a lot of Pinoy moms, the best way to go would be a calming, stress-relieving, tension-easing massage in a luxurious spa or in the comfort of their own homes. More familiar massage treatments come in the forms of Shiatsu or Swedish, but specialized massage treatments for new or expactant moms are gaining popularity. Prenatal, Postnatal and Lactation massages are starting to get some airtime in the mommy circuit. These massages are designed to carefully alleviate discomfort and provide relaxation for moms before and after a pregnancy. Lactation massages, on the other hand, aim to encourage breast milk production in moms. Motherhood is a fulltime job and it’s not an easy one, at that, and for everything that they do, some spa me-time sounds pretty fair. For your safety though, remember to check with your doctor BEFORE you have these treatments done.

Photo from http://livingmassage.com/page.cfm/pregnancy-prenatal-massage

5.  Bills, Bills, Bills

Aside from the ones that come every month, Pinoy moms have got themselves talking about and wanting to know more about bills being discussed by our country’s lawmakers, specifically those that affect the future of the Filipino family. The RH Bill, Monster Bill (also famously known as the Anti-Breastfeeding Bill) and Divorce Bill are the most talked about by moms, as well as by family and child advocates. The RH bill discusses the availability of contraceptives to the people and sex education for children. The Monster Bill allegedly diminishes existing benefits given to breastfeeding moms and their children. The Divorce bill, if passed, would allow the dissolution of marriages in the Philippines. In different circles, blogs and forums, women are voicing out either their protests or support for these proposed laws. There is still a lot to be discussed and studied before these ultimately make their way into our constitution, but for now, Pinoy moms are taking a stand and making themselves heard.

Photo from http://knowledge.allianz.com/?1613/mothers-at-risk-protecting-life-givers

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4. Not your Regular Preschool

Although not entirely new to the list, this trend has always been a concern for moms. With preschools and kiddie gyms mushrooming everywhere, the Pinoy mom is currently facing a bigger challenge of finding the right one that would suit her child. The checklist for “the one” is not as simple as it seems, though. It must satisfy all needs and fit into the big plan – financially, logistically, and curriculum-wise – before they settle with one. There is the constant “competition” between progressive curriculum (where Multiple Intelligences, Waldorf, Montessori, etc. fall under) and traditional (where most big schools are categorized), with both schools of thought claiming to be different and better for the child. Play gyms are also all the rage among mothers these days, with the increasing need to socialize their babies in play dates. Then, there is also the option of homeschooling, which is now earning greater acceptance locally. Pinoy moms are realizing that indeed, the home is the best place to educate children and are therefore making the most out of the opportunity given to them. Similarly, early childhood education is also making waves in the mommy hit charts.

Photo from http://www.trinitylutheranchurch.com/explore/schools/

3. The Deal Is On

Pinoy moms admit that once in a while, they sneak in a minute (or 30) in their schedule for finding the best deals they could purchase online. Discount sites like Ensogo, Deal Grocer, Buyanihan and Cash Cash Pinoy are the hottest thing for moms who are on a budget and who would want to get their money’s worth. No one can blame a mom for getting hooked. The best deals on trips, delicious meals, and special classes, and gadgets are just a few of the reasons why they keep these sites bookmarked.

Photo from http://www.stairwaysinc.com/shipping_off_coupon.html

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2. Mommy as a Superwoman

As thoroughly discussed in Anne Marie Slaughter’s article in Atlantic Magazine, Why Women Still Can’t Have it All, working moms everywhere are trying to achieve the ultimate work-life balance where professional ambitions are not compromised for a successful family life, and vice versa.

On the other side of the spectrum, work-at-home moms (or career women who can still squeeze it in their schedule) are trying to earn their keep through freelance writing or maintaining a Mommy Blog. Either way, the world wide web has become a constant companion of Pinoy moms who try to do the impossible – achieve a semblance of success in both the home and the (home) office. Mommy blogs are mushrooming everywhere, filling up the spaces of the internet. With everything just a click away on their smartphones, ipads and laptops, moms have the convenience of visiting their favorite Mommy Blog or website on Parenting at any time of the day. Moms these days do not claim to know everything and now humbly seek the advice of online mommy gurus and child experts who know a thing or two about being a mom and everything else that goes with it (like discipline, children’s toys and clothes, mommy fashion, medical/health concerns, breastfeeding, special classes, DIY projects on home decorating, etc.). That’s another bookmarked site for mommies.

1. “Organic”, Healthy Living

At the top of this list is possibly one of the biggest concerns of every mom out there. Pinoy moms are now practicing conscious parenting, diving in deep into the little details of their home and lifestyle, especially about the food they serve on the table. With the increasing health hazards out there as well as medical expenses that can scare a mom from a million miles away, it is only inevitable that moms start cooking healthy and nutritious food in their own homes. Organic stores and the like are now a stopover before going home, so they could avail of alternative munchies for their families. Low fat, low calorie, or sugar-free are just a few of the healthier food options available today. More and more parents are raising vegan kids, cutting down on the sweets and junk food, putting family members on a nutritional diet, and all in all, instilling an awareness to take care of their bodies. More often than not, the challenge for healthy cooking moms would be to make meals appetizing and enjoyable, and to hear their children ask for seconds and thirds would be the ultimate success.

Photo from http://fredecoblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/natural-organic-really.html

Main photo from http://tigerlilysisland.blogspot.com/2011/03/complain-complain-complain.html