Rufa Mae, Chariz Solomon's Parenting Tip: 'Wag Kayo Mataranta!

As cliché as it sounds, parenthood doesn't come with a manual, and even celebrities like Rufa Mae Quinto and Chariz Solomon are not spared from the struggles of raising children. 

In an exclusive interview with Smart Parenting during the GMA Gala 2024, the two comediennes from the long-time running GMA 7 variety show, Bubble Gang, shared their insights about parenting and motherhood. 

Rufa Mae, 46, has a 7-year-old daughter named Alexandria Athena, with her husband, Trevor Magallanes. Chariz, 34, meanwhile is a mom to three boys, namely, Apollo James, Ali Joakim, and Andreas Manolo.

Try not to laugh because they took this interview seriously! Here are our takeaways.

Parenting lessons from Rufa Mae Quinto, Chariz Solomon

1. 'Just go, go, go! Todo na 'to, and pray'

Both moms believe that parenting is a work in progress and that there is no one way to do it. 

"Be yourself, kung ano yung paniniwala mo, kasi wala namang book na makakapagsabi sayo kung paano ang parenting kasi iba-iba ang bawat tao," Chariz emphasized.

"'Wag kayo mataranta. Keep calm and carry on. Just go, go, go, todo na 'to, and just pray." —Rufa Mae Quinto, mom of one

Rufa Mae advised parents not to get too worked up when raising their kids: "Ako, 'wag kayo mataranta. Keep calm and carry on. Just go, go, go, todo na 'to, and just pray."

She added, "Don't worry kasi yearly, or weekly, nag-iiba ang bata. Kung ang size ng paa nila nag-iiba, yung ugali, lahat, iba-iba. Minsan ang hilig eh iPad, bukas, swimming naman. Hindi pare-pareho. Minsan, gusto naman paper dolls."

Embrace and celebrate the season you are in because indeed, our kids grow up too fast!

2. 'Pag happy mom, happy family'

Both Rufa Mae and Chariz agree on the importance of making time for oneself and one's partner. "And of course, ang pinaka-importante, don't forget to have time for yourself, and for your partner," said Chariz.

"Kailangan unahin talaga actually, yourself and your husband. Kumbaga parang, siya yung hari 'di ba, para tumulong din siya sa pag-alaga sa anak kung masaya ang asawa," Rufa Mae added.

"Take care of yourself. Importante yung mag-meet ka pa din with friends para di mo makalimutan yung sarili mo. 'Pag happy mom, happy family." —Chariz Solomon, mom of 3

Chariz also highlighted that parents, especially moms, should not feel guilty about spending time with herself and with her friends. Having regular meet-ups with her friends can help moms recharge. 

"Take care of yourself. Importante yung mag-meet ka pa din with friends para di mo makalimutan yung sarili mo. 'Pag happy mom, happy family," Chariz said.

"Happy life!" Rufa Mae chimed in.

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For Chariz, she treats her taping days at work as her day off. Raising three boys is not easy, so she's able to recharge and spend time with herself whenever she's at work with her fellow actors, whom she considers her friends "for reels and for real." 

^{Chariz Solomon with her three boys, Apollo, Aki, and Andreas}

3. 'Ipakita niyo sa kanila paano maging nanay'

Another parenting tip Rufa Mae shared is trying to be a good role model for her daughter Athena. Although she is a talented and renowned comedienne in the industry, she also wants her daughter to see her doing ordinary things, like cooking and chores, to set an example for her.

"Natuto akong magluto, lalo na sa America, pinakita ko sa kanya [Athena] [paano] maging nanay. Nakikita niya akong nag-la-laundry, kasi gusto ko gayahin niya ako as ordinary, na pag lumaki siya, babae siya, makita niya na pinagsilbihan siya ng nanay—pinakain, nag-go-grocery, nag-laundry. Kumbaga lahat ng normy [normal], nakita niya. Ngayong seven-years-old na siya, balik na ulit ako sa work para pati siya mag-work na din," she teased.

^{Rufa Mae Quinto with her daughter, Athena}

Chariz, meanwhile, shared that she doesn't underestimate her kids' abilities. This, she says, is how she's able to "survive" parenting three boys. "Kausapin niyo lang sila ng totoo, don't ever lie. And huwag niyong itrato na di nila naintindihan yung sitwasyon kasi naiintindihan nila."

4. 'Lilipas lang 'yan, parang gutom'

Rufa Mae opened up about experiencing postpartum struggles, saying that she once felt down when she saw the changes in her body.

"Ako na-experience ko, kasi ang laki-laki ko, tapos nakalbo ako, tapos feeling ko ang laki-laki ko tapos di na bumalik, nagka-kamot ka na, ganyan. Buti nalang nakatago ung kamot," she shared.

According to Healthline, it usually takes about six weeks to fully heal after giving birth. Mentally, it's normal to experience baby blues for the first few weeks, but when it goes beyond weeks, it is important to talk to your doctor if you are already experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression.

Nevertheless, Rufa Mae shared that moms shouldn't be too hard on themselves, especially after childbirth. "Basta ikaw, 'wag ka mag-diet. Pero mahirap eh, may postpartum, lahat, pero dadating din ang araw, oras, na magiging happy ka. Lilipas lang yan, parang gutom. Parang it's another day."

Chariz puts it simply, "One day at a time."

"Baby steps," Rufa Mae concluded.

If you are in need of a support system in your parenting journey, join the Smart Parenting Village Facebook group, here.

WATCH THE FULL VIDEO INTERVIEW HERE: