So Cute! Sarina Hilario Marks First Day At Public Daycare Center

Sarina Hilario shared a glimpse of her first day of school, and it's the cutest!

The three-year-old daughter of actor-dancer Jhong Hilario and Maia Leviste Azores had her first school experience at a public daycare center in Makati City. She started by showing off her outfit and her school bag. When she arrived at school, kids took the chance to take photos with her. 

Sarina participated in activities like coloring and even shared her snacks with her classmates. Netizens were inspired, saying that she is growing to be simple, humble, and well-mannered. Sarina has over 2.4 million followers on Facebook, and 1 million followers on TikTok.

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A post shared by Sarina Oceanía Azores Hilario (@sarinahilario)

Her Daddy Jhong is serving as a councilor in the first district of Makati City.

Parents share their children's first day of school experiences

At the Smart Parenting Village, a Facebook community of over 106,000 parents, moms and dads have been sharing their kids' back-to-school stories. Some had fun, while some turned emotional. Here are some of their experiences.

"Sobrang enjoy ang student namin, walang iyak, walang hirap sa paggising. Excited every day pumasok at ang dami kwento pag uwi ng bahay." - Mommy Lorie

"Ako yung nasaktan. Pagpasok ng anak ko sa school, hindi na lumingon eh." - Mommy Sarah

"Pagod na daw siya agad." - Mommy Merylene

"Sabay-sabay nagka-trangkaso mga kids." - Mommy Lhai

"Ito, wala pang 1 week, nagpalit agad ng isang set ng notebook." - Mommy Aleks

"Hahaha kulang na po Crayola. LOL." - Mommy Jenifer

"Putol na po ang mga crayons, tanggal na din ang plastic cover ng notebooks." - Mommy Jha

"May na-report na agad ako kay Teacher na bully." - Mommy Ivy

"Survived!! Eto at nagreready na ulit next week hehehe." - Mommy Rossel

"Preschool parent and teacher here! Napansin ko na mas may separation issues ang mga magulang kaysa anak. Hehe." - Mommy Carmela

"Tapos na po yung pagpapanggap sa bento na baon. Biscuit na lang mga anak haha. Pagod na mommy ninyo." - Mommy Fatima

Join the conversation here.

Tips for parents whose kids are adjusting to school

Dr. Siggie Cohen, a child development specialist and mom of three, shared tips for parents whose children are starting school and dealing with a lot of adjustments.

She advises that when your child seems uncomfortable or uneasy about going to school, do not minimize or dismiss their feelings. Instead, try saying the following:

"It's okay to miss me when you're at school or daycare. I will miss you too. That's because we love each other and that's a good thing! And then, after school, what happens when we see each other again? Yes! We hug, talk about our days. I'll see you after school."

At school drop-offs, Dr. Cohen recommends helping your child understand that their teacher will take care of them in the meantime.

Instead of saying "Don't cry! You're okay! You'll have so much fun," try saying these statements:

"Who takes care of you at home? I do. We play together. If you need a hug, I give you one. If you're thirsty, I give you water. At school, your teacher will help to take care of you. When you're thirsty, you can ask for her help to give you water. If you're feeling a little sad, you can let your teacher know and they will hold your hand."

"When you're done crying, what do you think you will do? Maybe play with your new friends?"

"You might cry and miss me when we say goodbye. That's okay, I will miss you too. That's because we love each other. And that's a good thing."

Kapit lang, parents! We got this!

Read a mom's open letter to her child's preschool teacher here.