The Best #SPConfessions Of 2023: Crying Over Patis, No More Sumbat, And MIL And Ex Horror Stories

These stories are based on real #SPConfessions that were sent to the Smart Parenting Village. Some details are changed to protect the original senders/posters.

We all know it takes a village to raise a child, and apparently, parents need one to keep themselves sane as well. And as 2023 ends, we’re looking back at the memorable quotes and posts from the 100,000+ strong Smart Parenting Village. Here are the posts that resonated with us, made us realize one or two things about life and parenting, and even gave us a few chuckles after a long tiring day with the kids.

“I feel like I’ve lost myself since becoming a mom. I feel bad about myself since nag-gain din ako ng weight after manganak. Bumaba iyung self-confidence ko, iyung tipong ayaw ko na makipag-kita sa mga old friends ko kasi baka mapansin lang nila ang weight gain ko ang kung ano pang nagbago sa akin physically.”

Losing ourselves to motherhood seems like a normal phase every mom goes through, so it’s no surprise that this post resonated with a lot of moms. And just like the other moms before us, all we need is to find ourselves again by devoting some time to self-care.

“People tell me na swerte kami because we have an autistic child. Our life has improved significantly but I will credit ourselves for working hard to give our child what he needs to thrive in this world.”

This ausome mom has an important reminder to everyone when it comes to what people should say to parents of children with special needs–don’t call them lucky. Instead, recognize the hard work they are doing for their child, and tell them that you will support them no matter what.

“Last week, I found out that my ex-boyfriend got married na doon sa girl na ipinagpalit niya sa akin kaya siya nakipaghiwalay. Naisip ko hindi niya deserve maging masaya, knowing na may inabandona siyang bata and I still don't wish them good and happiness. I wish them worst and sana hindi sila magkaanak. I am such a bad person thinking about this right now.”

One mom admitted her true feelings over an ex who left her and her child and got married to another woman. Other moms say, we understand and it’s OK to grieve and cry over it.

“My husband's mother was a pastor. Imagine the chaos when I got pregnant. Di yan matanggap ng mother-in-law ko. Inapakan niya buong angkan ko dahil nga nabuntis ako ng anak niya…Natuloy ang kasal. Malaki na ngayon ang anak namin. I am still healing. I am choosing myself and my family. Now, gusto ng mga kamag-anak ng asawa ko na kami ang kumargo sa MIL ko. Ayaw ng asawa ko, at lalong ayaw ko.”

This mom who’s choosing herself and her family’s healing after all the hardships her mother-in-law and husband’s family put her through while she was pregnant–under the risk of miscarriage.

"Nung nalaman ko na patis flavor lang ang Lorins at hindi totoong patis. 2 weeks ako humagulgol."

This mom shared that patis is the cause of her pregnancy crying spell.

“I miss my life before I got married. I am a mid-30s tita who's been married for almost 10 years. I used to have a carefree lifestyle before I got married. Whirlwind romance ang nangyari sa amin ng husband ko, wala pang 6 months in the relationship, nabuntis ako.”

And another mom who misses her life before marriage and motherhood. As Genette Apostol Buclatin, a Gallup-certified Strengths Coach and member of the Smart Parenting Village said at the time, “Your life doesn’t have to be over but it is what you decide to make it.” So it’s OK to have time for yourself, mamas.

“Sumbat. Ginawa ko ang lahat para sa’yo, kaya kelangan mong gawin ‘to, kelangan mong i-achieve ‘to.”

One parent commented this when Smart Parenting asked the group what parenting approach they experienced growing up that they would not want their kids to experience. Other answers include favoritism, pressuring the kids, kids as retirement plans, corporal punishment, and utang na loob.

"Nung nabasbasan kami ng pari noong araw ng palaspas, 'Mama, bakit binasa tayo nung kalbong lalaki?'"

We asked you for the funniest things your kids said, and the group definitely did not disappoint. Entries included kids asking delivery riders if they’re scammers, asking their mom if she’s going to poo in the public restroom, and calling their landlord a thief.

“Super thankful kami kasi ang sipag niya. Mula food, laba, linis, lahat siya sa bahay. Pag na-o-ospital ako dahil sa pagbubuntis at panganganak siya ang nag-aasikaso ng lahat, no need na utusan, may KUSA at MALASAKIT. In return, I see to it na naaalagaan ang family niya sa province at yearly may one month siyang uwi para makasama family niya.”

This is one of the stories featured in our #YayaChronicles, where member parents raved about their yayas who help them navigate the ups and downs of parenting. This gave us much-needed hope that there are still good yayas out there.

Here’s to another year of surviving parenting with you, parents! Looking forward to a better and more fruitful 2024 with the Smart Parenting fam.

Edited for spelling, punctuation, grammar, and formatting.

Do you have an #SPConfessions that you want to share? Send it to Sara Palma on Smart Parenting Village or email to smartparentingsubmissions@gmail.com.