Accepting Help Doesn't Make You A Pabayang Parent, New Dad Says

Benedict Cua is having the best time of his life as a new dad to his baby Aleck.

The 32-year-old actor, model, and vlogger first introduced his son on social media two months after his birth in May. In an exclusive interview with Smart Parenting, Benedict shared some of his learnings as a first-time dad to Aleck, who is now four months old.

"I'm surprised that I'm finally accepting help, and I'm not like telling myself na pag may help ka, pabaya ka. It actually saves your life and makes you a good parent as well," he told Smart Parenting at the GMA Gala 2024 at the Manila Marriott Hotel on July 20.

Benedict Cua to first-time dads: 'It's okay to ask for help'

Although new parents these days are not fond of receiving unsolicited parenting advice, Benedict shared one that helped him a lot in his parenting journey so far. "The tip that helped me a lot would be to keep loving yourself despite having a major change in your life. When Aleck came, it was a major change in my life and I felt like my world should be devoted to him. Pero sabi nila, 'Actually, no, you can have both. You can have your life, and mold someone else's life.' And that's beautiful. 'Yun ang pinaka-okay na advice na na-receive ko."

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Benedict admits he wants to be as hands-on parent as he can, but he also wouldn't pass up opportunities that come his way, like the red-carpet event. "It's really about time management sa family, friends, sa kapatid mo, and you don't have to feel bad about it," he shared.

"Even if you do a lot of research, hindi mo mape-perfect ang parenting. It's a process. Take a chill pill, and give yourself a break." —Benedict Cua

While he openly talks about his life as a single dad on his platforms, he is also one to not hide the struggles that come with it. He shared with Smart Parenting how he was putting a lot of pressure on himself, which caused him to get sick. "Hindi ako natutulog for one week, and it took a toll on my health na nagkasakit ako, and in return, I wasn't able to see him for a few days. Kahit may help ako, hindi ako makatulog. Kasi sa sobrang excitement, hindi ako makatulog kahit pagod [ako]."

He confesses that being a parent for the first time made him want to be as hands-on and present with his son as possible.

Benedict Cua celebrates parenting wins

Still, Benedict never fails to celebrate his wins as a father and his son's achievements. He shared, "Weekly may changes [kay Aleck]. Last week, ang pinaka na-surprise ako, when I was doing this to him [peek-a-boo] tapos tumawa siya. Parang ayun yung nag-signify na he can see me and he can recognize me already. Before it was just a voice, ngayon he can see me, and the fact that he laughed melted my heart."

He also gave a message to his fellow new parents: "Don't overpressure yourself. It's okay to ask for help. It's okay to ask for advice. I don't think you can know anything in a glimpse, 'di ba? Even if you do a lot of research, hindi mo mape-perfect ang parenting. It's a process. Take a chill pill, and give yourself a break."

Benedict Cua announces about his fatherhood

In an Instagram post on May 27, Benedict wrote a heartfelt message to his son Aleck.

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"Aleck, my son. The love of my life. No words can explain this overwhelming love that I feel as I cradle you in my arms. My beautiful warrior, you fill me with awe and excitement. I promise to be your home and your protection. To nurture you with infinite love, the same love you’ve already shown me from the moment you took your very first breath," Benedict wrote in the caption.

Celebrities including Mimiyuuh, Megan Young, and Rita Daniela extended their congratulations to the new dad.

In his succeeding posts with his son, his followers tried to ask him about the identity of the baby's mother, and whether his son was conceived through surrogacy. As of writing, Benedict has chosen to keep these details private.

Are you a new parent in need of help in raising your child? Join the Smart Parenting Village, a Facebook community for parents here.