‘May Two Eggs Siya Sa Basket Na Kinuha Nung Magkapatid,’ Mom Shares Reminder For Other Parents After Child’s Disappointing Easter Egg Hunt

Easter is a time of joy and celebration, and in recent years, it has often been marked by Easter Egg Hunts for Filipino families. This tradition has become so popular that malls, hotels, restaurants and other establishments now offer activities for families looking to celebrate.

However, not all egg hunts are all fun and games. Joyce took to Facebook to share a video of her daughter after their Easter egg hunt, including a caption narrating their experience. She wrote:

“Galing kami Easter Egg hunt [sa] kanina. May 3 eggs na nakuha si AK, shinare niya sa isang batang walang nakuha ang isa. So may 2 [eggs] pa siya sa basket, na kinuha nung dalawang bata na magkapatid yata. Tapos [natatawa] pa yung nanay na para bang proud pa sa ginawa ng anak niya.

“Hindi na ako nakipagtalo…Kasi baka sabihin itlog lang naman yun. Pero kasi yung batang nawalan yung kawawa. Pumunta para mas enjoy tapos uuwing umiiyak kasi [ang] ending walang natira sa kanya.

“To all parents out there, kahit sa batang edad huwag natin i-tolerate yung ganung pangunguha ng mga anak natin ng mga bagay na hindi naman sa kanila. Kasi, maniwala ka at sa hindi, kakalakihan niya yan.”

Mommy Joyce told Smart Parenting that this was a paid Easter egg event and it’s her and her 7-year-old daughter’s first time to join one. She also shared her daughter’s reaction to the incident, “At first, I saw her holding her tears [back] sa may play area, kaya pinaupo ko muna siya and I let her cry it all out. And after that, I explained to her what happened and why I didn’t confront the kids involved.”

She emphasized a message for other parents who are joining public events such as Easter Egg hunts with their kids, “It’s crucial for children to understand that taking other kids’ toys [or items] without permission is not okay. And we parents should be the ones teaching our kids [about the concepts of right and wrong] as early as possible to avoid incidents like this one. This is our first time joining events like this tapos traumatic experience pa.”

"Bakit may mga parents na hindi baleng mandaya basta makalamang sa kapwa, nakakalungkot."--Parent from Smart Parenting Village

Easter Egg Hunt for families

At the Smart Parenting Village, other parents shared their own Easter Egg hunt experiences. Here are a few tips parents can learn from their stories:

Poorly organized large events can prove to be stressful.

Several parents shared their less-than-ideal experiences in big events, with long waits for food and activities, and some children ending up without any eggs or loot bags. One parent shared, “Sa dami ng kids, yung iba nasa likod nalang, hindi na nakasali sa games. The worst part was yung ginawa ng host. I think they realized there were way more kids than eggs, kaya ang ginawa eh sinaboy sa gitna [ang eggs] and let the kids scramble for it. Imagine the smaller kids nakikipag-rambulan sa bigger kids. Syempre hindi na namin pinasali at baka maipit pa.”

Another parent shared a similar experience in another event, saying, “Ang aga nagpa-register [ng kids] pero wala man lang sticker or stamp for the registered kids. Kulang sa crowd control, ang ending, mga malalaking bata at mga parents ang nakakuha ng eggs, not children below 8 years old gaya ng sa mechanics nila.”

“And bakit may mga parents na hindi baleng mandaya basta makalamang sa kapwa, nakakalungkot. We witnessed a parent who faked the age of her kid para lang makasali sa event,” she added.

Well-planned intimate events were more enjoyable

Several parents shared better experiences, most of whom participated in Easter events organized at local restaurants. Most of them also shared the importance of a well-organized event and generosity of the hosts or establishment. “The event we went to… Mas strict sila sa reservation. Only those who responded to their message were allowed in,” one parent shared. “The games were more thought out so all kids could participate if they wanted to. They also gave snacks for the kids at the end.”

Another parent shared their experience at a local cafe, “We opted for an outdoor Easter egg hunting event, may cost per kid plus optional meal. May loot bag na may konting laman na more on art materials at cookies. May face painting, bunny feeding, egg decoration, contest sa egg rolling, and egg hunting. Kids were limited to three eggs each. Inside the egg toys, may chocolates and candies.”

One parent’s experience emphasized the importance of well-organized events, she shared, “This year we tried the Easter event of a hotel, nag-avail ako ng room promo na may kasamang tickets for the egg hunt. Nag-enjoy mag-swimming yung kids the day before the event, plus masarap din their buffet breakfast. Ang ganda ng event nila, malawak ang venue kaya kahit maraming tao hindi crowded, super organized, madaming staff and crew na nag-aassist sa bawat activities. Satisfied naman sa egg hunt kasi they make sure na lahat may makukuha at bukod sa treats inside the eggs, meron pa silang prizes like toys, biscuits, and other free items from their sponsors. Meron ding inflatables, face pain, egg and cupcake decoration, magic show, at interactive storytelling kaya super sulit.”

Outdoor events can make for a memorable and unique Easter adventure.

Other parents took the opportunity to make memories with their kids exploring and doing new activities, such as enjoying the outdoors or even camping. One parent shared, “We had so much fun during our first-ever Easter egg hunting out of the metro. It was an overnight camp with the Supling ng Kalikasan family in Antipolo. Ang daming Easter-related activities for the kids and for the parents too for two days and one night, and may side trips pa like trekking, going to San Ysidro falls and swimming. Sobrang tahimik sa gabi, walang signal, and sobrang lamig sa campgrounds.”

Home egg hunts are more manageable and can be fun too.

Several parents recommended hosting egg hunts at home or in the backyard with a few family and friends. This way, parents have more control over the activities and egg contents and can ensure a safe and fun experience for everyone.

One parent said, “Chill lang our Easter because mag-isa siya na nag egg hunt sa labas ng house namin. Nag-hide kami ng daddy niya ng eggs. No worries about getting sick sa paglabas and sa possible na tulakan ng ibang kids since toddler lang anak ko.”

“Chill din kami, kasi based on previous experience, mas maganda to do it in your own home, with your own rules,” another one said. “Easter egg hunt at home with the fam, tipid na, masaya pa lahat!”

Easter egg hunts are a cherished tradition, but as some parents have experienced, they can also come with challenges. The key to a successful Easter celebration perhaps lies in parents focusing on inclusivity, fairness and the true spirit of Easter. This includes teaching our children the values of sharing, kindness, and respect for other people and their belongings. At the end of the day, it’s not the number of eggs our kids have in their basket that matters, but the lessons our kids take home that will allow them to be the best versions of themselves.

Read here for safety tips for your next Easter egg hunt.