'Clothes, Toys Will Grow Out Of Them, But Cute Memories Last'

Last March 2024, we asked readers to submit photos capturing the raw and unfiltered moments of parenthood. Out of thousands of entries, 50 best fatherhood moments were selected and announced on Father’s Day. This article is part of a series that delves into the stories behind the 10 winning photos of Smart Parenting’s Parenthood 100 photo contest.

While some parents eagerly anticipate witnessing their child's milestones, going on planned vacations, and spending undivided time with them, this winning photo from the Smart Parenting's Parenthood 100 photo contest under the category "Love" reminds us that the essence of parenting goes beyond grand gestures and big moments.

Smart Parenting Parenthood 100 winner: Little Feet With A Big Heart

It's in the little things, like this cute photo captured by Danilyn Joy Cabello from Cagayan de Oro City. It's a portrait of her husband, Kirkamon Cabello, with the cutest little detail—their son's tiny feet.

^{'Little Feet With A Big Heart' by Danilyn Joy Cabello is one of the winners of the Smart Parenting Parenthood 100 photo contest}

"My husband and son love to tickle, play and just be silly while laying in bed. This is one of the many cute moments I captured, those little feet we hope to grow into a responsible, kind person with a loving heart," Danilyn shared with Smart Parenting.

For this family of three, this photo depicts one of their many simple yet adorable moments. Danilyn shared, her husband and son love to simply lay in bed, snuggle, tickle, and be funny.

"We make an effort to cherish playtime and bonding with him, even if it means being silly, humorous, and wild at times." —Danilyn Joy Cabello

"I recall my tiny boy wrestling, which is why there are little feet on my husband's face. My little kid is currently an only child, and we make an effort to cherish playtime and bonding with him, even if it means being silly, humorous, and wild at times. My husband's face makes this photo even amusing since he appears to be beaten by those little feet, and he has no option because our little boy is our boss!"

Danilyn said that she finds it adorable and she's pleased to witness how funny kids can be and capture their photo. "As parents, we both enjoyed taking random, spontaneous shots; we value every opportunity to bond as a family, and capturing photos allows us to relive each event."

^{Kirkamon Cabello and his son}

If there's one thing Danilyn hopes other parents remember after seeing their photo, it's this: "Making time to spend quality time with your children is essential. As parents, we can be so preoccupied with work, household chores, and caring for our child that it can be exhausting at times; however, we must also consider and value the fact that they grow so quickly, and being present with them has a significant impact on how we create happy, fun, and loving bonding memories with our children."

^{Kirkamon Cabello and his son}

She added, "Their clothes and toys will grow out of them, but the bond and good memories we created will have a lasting impact on them."

Why a parent's presence really matters

A recent study cited by Psychology Today explains why being present parents positively impacts children.

In the study published by Lior Abramson et. al on March 2024 suggests that a parent's mere presence may influence how children respond to fear. Children learn what is safe or dangerous from their parents, associating neutral objects with fear through what they call us "fear conditioning."

For example, they learn to fear a hot stove if their parent reacts strongly when they approach it. Conversely, children feel safer and more likely to exhibit brave behavior in the presence of calm parents. The new study shows that having a parent nearby reduces the fear response in children's brains.

While this is a very small study and further research is needed, it's empowering for parents to know that their mere presence matters to their kids. 

Read tips on how to be a more present parent here.