How important is kindness in motherhood and parenting? These days, much more. It is in motherhood when we discover that we are able to give more than we think we can. And it is in motherthood when we ask the world to be a little kinder to us as well. Through Smart Parenting's Mother's Day 2023 photo contest Motherhood 100, we dive deeper into the different facets of kindness mothers give daily.
Among thousands of entries, these Smart Parenting's Motherhood 100 photo contest finalists under the category of kindness show us the tenderness of a mother: slowing down to match the pace of a newborn, playing with the kids after a long day of work, putting off domestic work just to be kind to herself--these raw moments of motherhood inspire us to give grace to our children and to the one who needs it most, the woman in the mirror.
May these photos be a reminder that a mother's warmth will always be unmatched.
Smart Parenting Motherhood 100 Photo Contest Finalist: Kindness
"A Blissful Moment"
By Alden Trilles
Featuring Ma. Charmen Trilles
"Looking at my baby means thanking God for giving me this wonderful gift, a gift that I will treasure forever."
"A New Mom"
By Ralph Andrei Juan
Featuring Jasmin Ellen Juan
"After five years of being married, we finally became parents. My wife didn't know what to do at first, but after seeing our son Top for the first time, it made her life--our life, complete. Being a mom is never easy, but it makes you whole. It's the best feeling in the world and I'm so proud to see my wife everyday and grow as a person and be a great mom."
"A Rare Moment Captured"
By Emerson Reyes
Featuring Maria Roselle Reyes
"A fist bump moment captured when my newborn daughter seemed to tell her mom, 'We did it, Mommy!' after my wife’s successful CS delivery."
"Endless Love: A Mother And Son’s Heartfelt Connection"
By Mark Saberola
Featuring Divine Saberola
"In this heartwarming candid moment at a restaurant, my wife Divine and our firstborn son Lucas engage in an intimate conversation, likely discussing one of their many playful negotiations. The photo perfectly captures the genuine affection and pure love that emanates from Lucas' adoring gaze towards his mother, embodying the essence of motherhood--unconditional love, strength, and guidance. This unforgettable snapshot has forever immortalized a tender and cherished bond between mother and son, serving as a testament to the enduring connection that defines a mother's role in her child's life."
"Feeding The Not-So-Little Boy"
By Joy Marie Batistis
Featuring Joy Marie Batistis
"Different ways to feed your kids (breastfeeding and solid foods)."
"Grateful Beyond Words"
By Karl Louie Marcelo
Featuring Melanie Marcelo
"One of the greatest moments of a being parent is to be part of their child's learning journey. I feel so grateful having a daughter and being blessed with another child when it was so difficult for us to conceive before."
"If Only I Could, I Will"
By Rondon Mercado
Featuring Catherine Mercado
"The hardest part about being a mom is wanting to take away your baby's pain but you can't."
"Inside The Box"
By Jonathan Cacactin
Featuring Dione Carleen Cacactin
"One afternoon, my son was playing in the living room and a box happened to be there. He went inside and I joined him while we were watched TV. I felt like a kid again and enjoyed it! It’s one of the moments that really matters to a child, the time we can spend together as mother and son."
"Journey"
By Mark De Asis
Featuring Jonacel De Asis
"Traveling with a toddler is a totally different experience. Nevermind if you’re fixed or not, as long as she's good, you're good. Nevermind the numbness you feel from carrying her around, for as long as she's comfortable, you'll go the extra mile. So carry on, dear mom, with your little one by your side, nevermind the aches and pains or the moments when it feels like nothing will be the same. For with each step you take and the journey you embark on, you're creating a memory that will forever leave a mark. So embrace that kind of difficult."
"Kiss Sa Noo"
By Boyet C. Pattung
Featuring Joyce C. Pattung
"Motherhood is priceless."
"Liwanag"
By Jieson Kalaw
Featuring Abigail Kalaw
"This photo, I took days after my wife gave birth. After being in the womb for night months, my daughter finally got to experience life and light outside her mother's tummy."
"Love At First Latch"
By Sean Tee
Featuring Ailene Donna Tee
"I took this photo after my wife endured a 12-hour induced labor and thankfully, our first born is healthy through normal delivery. This photo captured the first time my wife was able to carry and breastfeed our daughter and it shows through my wife’s facial expression the joy of having that connection and love they shared right away."
"Love, Care, And Sacrifice"
By Geoffrey Garcia
Featuring Jillian Garcia
"The photo depicts the rawness of motherhood. Despite being in an uncomfortable position, the mother chooses to sacrifice her own comfort in order to provide care to her two-year-old by letting him sleep beside her and at the same time breastfeed her newborn baby ensuring that both kids are nurtured. It is but natural for mothers to sacrifice their own comforts to ensure that their kids are well taken care of. However most of the time, these sacrifices are not visible to others."
"Making Happy Memories With You"
By Mariedith Garcia-Casas
Featuring Mariedith Garcia-Casas
"Motherhood is the hardest, but most rewarding job I've ever had. Motherhood has changed me and broughtout a better version of myself. It has given me a sense of purpose, a sense of direction. This is definitely the happiest season of my life."
"Mother’s Unconditional Love"
By Kervin de Sena
Featuring Leny de Sena
"Motherhood is a 24/7 job, no time off, no breaks, no sick leaves and no vacations, just pure love and dedication."
"My Limitless Journey As A Mother"
By Kleif Reynald Neri Gonzales
Featuring Alphonsine Corominas Gonzales
"The photograph depicts how a Mother sacrifices and gives unconditional and limitless love to her children in its most unexpected way."
"Natatangi Sa Lahat"
By Michael Gabriel P. Abrenica
Featuring Jap C. Abrenica
"Ikaw, isang ina ang pinaka-natatangi sa lahat."
"Never Change"
By Paul Julius Arca
Featuring Czarina Arca
"Taken by my husband while I'm having a conversation with my daughter regarding her soon-to-arrive sister. Being a mother of several kids (a boy, a girl, and another girl on the way), I need to explain to them that my love for them will not change or be divided because a mother's love multiplies with each added child."
"Pansangga Sa Mga Alon"
By Rozz Randell Cadavillo
Featuring Ginyn Cadavillo
"Bilang ina, nagbago na ako. Mula sa sarili at sa asawa ko lang, naging prioridad ko nang protektahan ang anak ko. Kahit anong pagsubok ang dumating, kahit gaano kahirap, narito ako para sa kaniya. Narito palagi si mama para sa'yo, anak."
"Playmate"
By Kif V. Tomelden
Featuring Melody Ann A. Tomelden
"As adults and as parents, we should be flexible enough to wear different hats, we can be their mom, their friend, and their playmate."
"Quiet Moments"
By Derrick Ian Lim
Featuring Darlene Lim
"The house is a mess, there's still a lot on the to-do list. But you sit for a bit and stare into space, enjoying the sudden quiet moment. Your little one enjoys the moment with you."
"Sa Piling Ni Mimom Myka"
By Steve Balista
Featuring Sherlyn Myka Balista
"This is a beautiful reminder that it was not easy to be a working mom. At the end of the day, my children long for her and she also longs for them no matter how tired she is. She made sure that spending time with us is the highlight of her day."
"Selfless And Unconditional Love For The Family"
By Don Rae Amante
Featuring Jemimah Amante
"Trying to give them all the attention they need."
"Stage Mom"
By Mark Joseph Fernandez
Featuring Joyce Anne Fernandez
"Being a mom can teach you new skills in an instant, which you have never even tried doing before. Doing your own kid's make-up during an event, anytime, anywhere, even if the mom herself doesn’t use any make-up."
"Story Time"
By Mar Elizer Rodriguez
Featuring Ruth Christine Rodriguez
"Motherhood is when you put your child first before yourself. It is a life of sacrifices and selflessness and all those experiences are worth it. The pictures I sent show the day our daughter was born, the day we hugged each other tight because we don't know if I will survive my fight against Leukemia, and the present day that I am enjoying my second chance to be with my little one."
"Sweet Nibbles: A Baby's Playful Bite"
By Raymond Dabu
Featuring Mariane Divina Dabu
"My wife is feeding our baby on the bed. The little one, eager to explore the world around them, reaches out and impatiently takes a bite of his plate, causing his mother to smile in amusement. The baby's tiny hand and round cheeks are a testament to the innocence and wonder of childhood, and the mother's love for her child is evident in the way she interacts with them, even when they take a playful nip. The scene is a heartwarming reminder of the joys of motherhood and the special moments that come with caring for a little one."
"The Pain Of Motherhood"
By Ricky Pascual
Featuring Chie Pascual
"Motherhood is both pain and joy. Mom's sacrifice is a kid's joy. Sleepless nights, only a mother can give this."
"Three Generations of Love"
By Efrelyn Cersenia
Featuring Sheree Feliciano, Linuz Efrey Feliciano and Lydia Vivaz
"A mother's love and affection never ceases, generation after generation. We are all grown ups but we still need our mom."
"Warmth Of A Mother’s Hug"
By Emmanuel Palma, Jr.
Featuring Rosayregen Tan-Palma
"Doing kangaroo care to my premature baby, Aria. This picture shows how powerful a mom’s hug can be because of the benefits it can give to the preemie baby."
"Worthwhile"
By Michael Paglalunan
Featuring Ruffa Vallada Paglalunan
"Heavy rains means it rained out, all plans have changed, delayed, or cancelled, like motherhood. It brought so much change. A career was sacrificed, but there's no regret because it brings joy whenever you see your child happy. Like the rain, mothers bring joy to their children, when they let them play and catch raindrops. Their happiness, our happiness. Unspeakable joy."
"Your Happiness Is My Happiness"
By Caesar Ean Escleto
Featuring Barbra Francine Escleto
"When you ask a mother what makes her happy, it will always be seeing her children happy. Their laughter is music to our ears. Their joy is our source of strength."
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Photos are arranged in alphabetical order.
See the other photos under the following categories: Devotion, Courage, and Self-Love.
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Produced by: Iza Cuyos-Santos, Mika Presillas, and Marie Bilgera
Edited by Judy Santiago Aladin
Art Director: Maria Stephanie Ocampo
Social Media: Zen Arganda
Video Producer: Cherrie Julian
Video Editor: Olan Pingco
Special thanks to: Riyalyn Grace Pasimio, Roi Boado, and Keana del Rosario, Annycrist Marino and Thea Alberto-Masakayan
