Showing posts with label Mommy Issues. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mommy Issues. Show all posts

Sunday, April 20, 2025

Our After-School Game Plan

In our family, we do presentations. For example, our sons presented their report cards, how they got their grades, their goals for the last quarter of the school year, and their proposal on how we (parents, brothers) can help them reach their goals. 

Here's another one, which I'm sharing with my mommy readers! This is my presentation - an after-school game plan. The boys are aware of this, but since we've never talked about it (just me and their father nagging them forever), the boys don't really follow. So we all gathered round for a quick pow-wow, I made my presentation, and got everyone to agree with me!

Let's go over it: 




My sons always forget to unpack! This really upset me because we forget to wash their lunchboxes and water bottles, we trip over their shoes, and their uniforms and socks are strewn all over their bedroom! I swear they were better at unpacking when they were preschoolers (yes, I'm grumbling).


My sons know how to cook so they can really take over dinner prep. I get home at around 6:50 to 7:15 so I'm usually too tired to cook. My husband usually cooks, but sometimes he has work meetings that go on till 7 so the boys must take over this task. 



My sons bring their gadgets to the bathroom to sing. They love to sing musicals in the shower! They protested this slide haha so I said they need to find a compromise. Their Papa suggested Bluetooth speakers. I really don't like it when they have gadgets in the bathroom. Aside from accidentally getting their gadgets wet, I'm also paranoid about people hacking their cameras, and one of my singing sons will be in the shower and... I shudder to think about it. 




For this part, we discussed (1st quote) how these tasks don't actually take a lot of time. Just minutes every day saves us time and resentment. And to avoid feeling resentful, (2nd quote) we just need to focus on ourselves and our tasks. We shouldn't look at what the others are not doing, or we shouldn't think, "Hey, I'm washing more dishes than him," and neither should we assume that someone is intentionally not doing their chores. We can only control our actions, our thoughts, and our feelings. And that's what matters (3rd quote) - self-discipline! Doing our individual parts helps the whole!  

That's it! Just a 5-minute presentation and a little discussion, and we were all in agreement. No nagging, no arguing. Just a peaceful way to remind my sons of their duties, and a way for me and their Papa to let them know that we have goals, too, and we need their help because if all our time is spent on cooking and cleaning, then we won't have time and energy to make our dreams come true! When they realized we needed their help, they were willing to do their part. So hooray!

I hope this helps you, mamas! 

Monday, March 24, 2025

Proper Diapering: 7 Things Moms and Dads Should Always Remember

Hi, everyone! Let's talk about...  proper diapering!

Ask any parent, and they’ll most likely tell you how caring for a baby is a full-time job that requires patience and a lot of learning along the way. One of their many responsibilities—and one of the most frequent tasks—is changing diapers. While diapering may seem like a simple routine, doing it properly can make a huge difference in your baby’s comfort, hygiene, and overall health.


A clean, properly fitted diaper helps prevent discomfort, leaks, and skin irritation. Good diapering practices also reduce the risk of diaper rash and infections, ensuring your baby stays fresh and happy throughout the day. For new moms and dads, diapering can come with challenges. However, with the right techniques and knowledge, diaper changes can be smooth, efficient, and hassle-free.

From choosing the right diaper to handling your baby safely, we’ll walk you through essential diapering tips.

1. Choose the Right Diaper Size for Your Baby

One of the first things you need to take note of when diapering is picking the right diaper size. A diaper that is too small may cause red marks and leave your baby feeling uncomfortable; it can also lead to leaks. On the other hand, a diaper that is too loose may not provide enough protection.

So, when you shop for your baby’s diapers, make sure they fit your child perfectly. If you have an infant, make sure to get something marked “diaper for baby” and check the weight range of the diaper size. It’s also a good idea to check if you can fit two fingers under the waistband. This indicates that the diaper is secure but not too tight. If you notice frequent leaks, red marks on your baby’s skin, or difficulty securing the diaper properly, it might be time to move to the next size. Since babies grow quickly, be prepared to adjust diaper sizes as your child gains weight.

2. Be Aware of How Often You Should Change a Newborn’s Diaper

Newborns need frequent diaper changes since they urinate often and have multiple bowel movements each day. As a recommendation, change a newborn’s diaper every two to three hours or immediately after they have soiled it. If you leave a wet or soiled diaper on for too long, it can cause skin irritation and lead to painful diaper rashes or even potential infections.

For older babies, the frequency of diaper changes may decrease as their bladders develop and start to urinate less frequently. However, it’s still important to keep an eye on your baby’s diaper throughout the day to ensure they stay dry and comfortable.

3. Always Wash Your Hands Before and After Diapering

Diaper changes expose both parents and babies to bacteria, making proper hand hygiene essential. Before touching your baby, wash your hands with soap and water to prevent the spread of germs. After changing the diaper, wash your hands again.

If soap and water aren’t available, alcohol-free baby wipes or a gentle alcohol-based hand sanitizer are a good alternative. Keeping a small bottle of sanitizer near the diapering area ensures that you always have a quick way to clean your hands after a change.

4. Properly Wipe and Clean Your Baby

After diaper changes, proper cleaning helps prevent infections and keeps your baby comfortable. For baby girls, always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from spreading to the genital area, which can lead to urinary tract infections. For baby boys, make sure to gently clean the genital area, paying attention to folds of skin where dirt may accumulate.

Some parents prefer using fragrance-free baby wipes, but warm water and soft cotton are a gentler option, especially for newborns. If your baby has sensitive skin or is prone to rashes, using just water can help prevent irritation. After wiping, make sure the area is completely dry before putting on a new diaper to reduce the risk of diaper rash.

5. Handle Your Baby Safely During Diaper Changes

Most newborns and young babies can move unpredictably, which is why you need to handle them carefully yet securely during diaper changes. Always support your baby’s legs by gently lifting their ankles rather than pulling on their feet. Avoid lifting their legs too high, as this can put unnecessary pressure on their lower back.

Additionally, ensure that you’re changing your baby on a stable, flat surface and never leave them unattended, even for a second, to minimize the risk of falls.

6. Apply the Diaper Correctly

A properly fitted diaper helps prevent leaks and keeps your baby comfortable. When putting on a diaper, make sure the waistband is snug (not tight) and sits just below the belly button; for newborns, you can fold the diaper down in the front to avoid covering the umbilical stump. You should also adjust the leg openings to ensure they fit well. There should be no gaps to prevent any leaks, but still loose enough so that there’s some space between the diaper and your baby’s bum.

7. Prevent and Treat Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is a common issue among babies, but it can be prevented with proper care. To reduce the chances of diaper rash, change diapers frequently to prevent prolonged contact with moisture. Also, apply a thin layer of diaper rash cream or petroleum jelly to create a protective barrier. Additionally, give your baby some diaper-free time to allow their skin to breathe.

If your baby develops a persistent or severe rash, consult a pediatrician to determine if medical treatment is needed.


Diapering is a daily routine that you’ll quickly become familiar with as parents. However, you need to watch out for small mistakes. Otherwise, they can lead to discomfort for your baby. With this in mind, consider following these diapering tips to help keep your little one happy, dry, and protected.


*baby photo by Ignacio Campo on Unsplash, products photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash

Saturday, January 18, 2025

My 2025 Vision Board

Happy New Year to all my dear Loyal Readers! How's 2025 treating you so far? Me, well, all the songs playing in my head have these lyrics: "Such a feelin's gotten over me. There is wonder in most everything I see...", "It's gonna be a bright bright sunshiny day," and "I had a dream so big and loud I jumped so high, I touched the clouds, all the possibilities, no limits, just epiphanies!" 

I guess you can tell I like the vibe of 2025! 

I have lots and lots of plans. All involve words! A devotional. A workbook. A romance trilogy (yep, that werewolf romance novel I started in 2022 nag-multiply!). A children's book. Maybe even a literary website. Am I launching them all this year? I don't know! The plan is just to finish them and then we'll see! Hope you support me as always!


Speaking of plans, one of the best things I did recently was attend a workshop by Belle de Jour Power Planners. The formal name is Life & Business Vision Integration Workshop. Sounds so serious so I just call it the BDJ Goals Workshop. I attended the one last December at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at BGC and I believe that event propelled me to my happy, hopeful vibe. 

Madaling mangarap, mahirap tuparin ang mga ito. But because of the goals- and intention-setting sessions we did (na may kasamang personal sharing at iyakan pa!), parang lahat kaya kong abutin - kahit na yung ambisyosa kong goal na mag-publish ng 6 books this 2025! Ngayon pa lang alam ko it's a giant task but because we were taught to set goals in bite-sized pieces and to make them all short-term, napaniwala ako ni Darlyn Sandra Ty-Nilo na kaya kong gawin ito. 


Here's Dar, soft-spoken and a truly inspirational speaker. I've known her since my editor days (so that's almost 2 decades) and she's achieved so much. Not only did she launch a successful planner business, she's also become a motivational coach, connecting women and empowering them to start making their dreams come true through concrete steps (that's tied up neatly with her planner biz, diba?). Despite knowing her all this time and having worked with BDJ briefly, it was only at this Goals Workshop that I got to know her as a woman driven to make other women succeed. It was a revelation! I encourage you all to sign up for this workshop kasi it's like the heavens open up for you and talaga namang parang lahat kaya mong gawin!

Here's a peek at what happened at our workshop. We had delicious food served while we learned and shared and made our vision boards. We got a BDJ planner, a lovely journal, art materials for our vision board, and of course vital lessons on setting goals. 

I hope this is still a safe space to share with you my dreams. I always have done that with you since I started this blog in 2006. And I may have disappeared for a while (the last 2 years were very interesting) but I'm dreaming and planning and hoping again! And maybe I can share some of those hopes and dreams with you like I used to, if that's okay?

So here's my vision board!  


At the top is me writing books and blogs. That's all I really want to do - make a living on words alone! Everyone told me that was a dumb dream but my husband and I are making it happen! Next is me speaking to a group of women. I used to do this - hold workshops, be a guest speaker. I want to do that again. I'm thinking I'd do a speaking event when I launch my books! Will you be there? I'm so deathly afraid that no one will show up for me but then you ladies always have. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. (Now, I don't know if you're still around given that I've been silent for a while but if you're still here, it means a lot.) Last pic is a crazy idea - do a podcast. It's crazy because I have the worst voice ever. It's squeaky, not for broadcasting at all. But hey, I think I have some important things to say and a podcast may be in my future (I really don't think so, though haha but like I said this goals workshop makes you believe in the crazy!).

The left part is personal goals. I want to spend more time with my family and friends, enjoying life. Then, because I'm going through a transition that is traumatic to the body (a.k.a. perimenopause), I want to care for myself with proper nutrition, enough sleep, regular exercise, and also indulge now and then in a massage because my body has served me so well in the last 48 years. I should serve it now.

The right part is all money! My husband and I have insurance policies and mutual funds to help us with our retirement years (10-12 years na lang grabe!!!) so kami ni Vince, we're ready. But I want to save up anyway for the kids. I want to give them the world but writing - surprise surprise haha - doesn't really make a lot of money unless Vince and I become bestselling authors (like millions of copies sold!). It's not impossible but, boy, I hope it happens sooner than later because my boys are growing up so fast and I want to give them music lessons and art classes and sports and take them all over the world... 

I am running out of time. I am running out of time.

But I am not unhappy. Believe me when I say I am overflowing with joy. Despite the perimenopause hell, the long hours at the office, the having just-enough money, the unfinished books, the never having enough time... I am still so happy. My husband and I are still in love, we and the kids are healthy, we are safe, the kids are growing up so fast and they're all so handsome and smart and talented, we all get along fine, we're okay! We're more than okay. We're happy.

That said, I still need to dream bigger! I am so blessed that for a time I stopped myself from dreaming of more because it just felt so greedy, you know? I have so much! Maybe not money and time haha but everything else? Siksik, liglig at umaapaw! So I had been telling Jesus, "Okay na po ito. Tama na. Masaya na ako. Just help me be a good wife and mother and take care of the precious people you gave me." 

But somewhere along the way I just felt that God didn't give me all these stories and experiences and writing talent to just be quiet! Jesus promised me an abundant life, a life that should be all used up so that he can keep on pouring into my cup! In John 10:10, Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly."

I have allowed the devil to steal my purpose. I am a writer. Before I was a wife and mother and till the day I die, I hope I will still be writing. So that's what I'll do. Write! Will it make me money? I hope so! But that's just a benefit. I want to write because I want to tell stories that inspire women and I want to change lives again, the way my blogs used to when I used to blog a storm the last 18 years. Woah! Yep. Let's add more years to that, shall we? Yes! Thank you for reading all these years!

So anyway! That's my vision board. Please help me make those visions real. As in yung mahahawakan, matitikman, at mararanasan ko at ng pamilya ko. Stick around for updates!


And if you're interested in a little life-changing day, sign up for the Life & Business Vision Integration Workshop a.k.a. the BDJ Goal Setting Workshop! Register now for just P3,999! You won't regret it! 

Sunday, October 20, 2024

We all need meaningful connections

This post was inspired by MomConnect.

This time last year was when the clouds in my head began to clear. It had been a difficult period because I had just started a new job, and my schedule changed drastically. I barely saw my husband, and I hardly spent time with our boys, who had also returned to school. Exhausted and sad, I distanced myself from family and friends, choosing instead to sleep and cry on weekends.

(Missed that life update? Read it here!)

By October, however, things started to shift. My body had adjusted, the toxic atmosphere at work resigned, er, disappeared, and I had finally completed my hormone therapy — the side effects of which had been wreaking havoc on both my mind and body. Slowly, I regained time, energy, and the emotional space to reconnect with the people I love and the things that brought me joy. Life started to feel manageable again, and I began to feel like myself once more.


You can't imagine the relief I feel now that I recognize myself again. Even my husband, Vince, says he feels the same way! This year, 2024, has been so much better, and I’m truly grateful.

To be fair, my family and friends were always there for me.* My sister Jacqui helped me sort through my thoughts, which was incredibly helpful. Considering she had a disastrous year herself, it’s amazing that she still went out of her way to support me. I honestly couldn’t do the same—I was too wrapped up in my own despair.

My friend Justine also played a big role in pulling me out of my depression, and she did it with the one thing that always works: duty. I had to edit her books, and even though all I wanted was to curl up and sleep, those deadlines kept me going and, in a strange way, kept me sane.

Slowly but surely, I started reconnecting with family and friends. I even found myself willing to chat with complete strangers again, which isn’t surprising—that's the old me. I used to love striking up conversations with people anywhere and everywhere. But last year, I was closed off, hostile to everyone. So, I’m really glad to feel like myself again. What’s even nicer is that my family and friends welcomed me back with open arms.


Let me quickly walk you through the photos! The top one is with my dearest friend and Lean In Manila co-founder, Ginger. That was such a fun day when our families took the Pasig River ferry to Intramuros—a memorable adventure. The next photo is from a long-awaited reunion with the OK! magazine girls, and of course, four hours was nowhere near enough to catch up! Then there’s a shot of me with my Praying Wives group (and a couple of husbands) during a fun dinner.

In the bottom row, there's Justine and me celebrating fantastic news about her book. I’m so glad I pushed through with editing her novel because... I'll share more exciting details when I know more! Next, that’s my brother Ted and my sister-in-law Rose with Jacqui and our kids. Vince and my other boys stayed home, which was a pity because we ended up having a wild road trip! Then there’s a lovely photo with Martine and Jean, two fascinating women. And finally, that’s me with the amazing Lean In Manila women during one of our workshops. 

As I reflected on my journey back to myself, I realized how powerful connection has been in my healing process. It reminded me of the importance of reaching out, even when things feel overwhelming.


That’s why I’m so excited to talk about MomConnect 2024, happening on October 26. This year’s theme, “#CalltoConnect,” speaks deeply to me. It’s all about fostering the connections that keep us grounded—whether it's with family, friends, or even new faces we meet along the way.

Hosted by Mommy Mundo, MomConnect will offer a full day of learning and interaction, bringing together moms and experts to discuss pressing parenting and societal concerns. Whether you’re looking for guidance, inspiration, or simply a sense of community, this event is an invitation for moms and families to connect in meaningful ways.

More details here! MomConnect 2024

I know firsthand how much meaningful connections can transform our lives, and I’m looking forward to attending MomConnect 2024 to learn more about how we can uplift each other as parents, partners, and friends. I’d love for you to join me! 

You can REGISTER HERE and use this code: FrancesforMomCon to get a discount!

I truly hope to see you there! It’s been a while since I’ve been in the mommy bloggers, influencers, and networking circles, and it would be wonderful to reconnect with all of you. If you spot me and I seem a little shy, just know it’s because I’m still finding my footing again. 

Anyway, enough about me! Let's all see each other at MomCon! Your presence would mean the world, and together we can continue supporting each other on this journey of motherhood and beyond. See you soon!



*If you're depressed, it's totally understandable why you can't reach out to people. When I was going through it, I felt dark and didn't want to BURDEN people with my self-perceived ugliness. 

So, to our family and friends, please be the ones to check in. "Hey, how are you? I'm coming over. I'm calling now. I don't care about the mess or anything, I just want to see you." Please just check in. You may save a life. 

Follow me on Threads, @francesampersales

Tuesday, October 08, 2024

Baby Bumps

"Reminiscing on the belly today." Hailey Bieber

Justin Bieber's baby mama posted on IG beautiful photos of her preggy belly, which made me wish I had maternity shoots. Instead I'm going to share a few from my three pregnancies! 

2010
Pregnant with Jelly Bean



2012
Pregnant with Wiggles



2014
Pregnant with Baby Chicken



I found that I have more solo preggy pics with my second one. The first and last, I was always with somebody! The last one, the somebodies were his 2 older brothers who were just so darn cute! But I wanted this post to be about my baby belly, not the babies haha

And then I blinked and now instead of babies, I have these big boys eating us out of house and home, filling the days and nights with laughter, gossip, singing, and playing the piano. Filling my once-pretty house with their mess, too. I think my house will be clean again when they move out. Feels like a million years away but we all know I'll blink and they're gone.

It's been said so many times but I'll say it anyway: It goes by so fast. I'm so happy I had healthy pregnancies (the third one had a bit of trouble, which was why it was the last). I'm so grateful all of them were delivered quickly and easily, and that I recovered so frikkin' fast every time. And I'm thankful you were there with me and blessed me every time.

Reminiscing on the belly today reminded me how incredibly grateful I am for everything. It's been the most wonderful time. 

Saturday, September 07, 2024

Book Review: Mama, Interrupted by Elaine Natividad Reyes


I'm excited to share with you this sweet little book, Mama, Interrupted by Elaine Natividad Reyes. To my dear Loyal Readers, Elaine should be familiar to you because she and I used to be the editors of OK! magazine. She's worked since then as features editor, beauty editor, and freelance writer. 

And now she's added author to that list! I'm so proud of Elaine's new book and I'll tell you why today.


Look at this page from her book (beautifully drawn by Eleanor Bautista). This is how it starts. Elaine lays out the situation by describing the day of a typical mom. I relate to it a lot because that's me every single day. She was describing me! Many women are busy working on something and relying on coffee (or sugar or bone broth) to get them through their day. 

Now, check out the entire page below. If this was an activity sheet for kids, the instructions would be, "Find the object that doesn't belong." (I encircled it haha) For moms like Elaine and me, our desks and minds and schedules revolve around our children. And we try to make everything else - husband, chores, work, friends - fit in. 


Every mom is a working mom, that's what I always say. Doesn't matter if you're working from home or the office, if you're a housewife or the mom everyone at church/school/neighborhood counts on. If you're a mom, your hands are full. More full than anyone's hands. More full than anyone's heart, too. And I guess that's what makes moms such amazing people. Distracted, stressed out, exhausted, sleepless, yes. But amazing nevertheless.

Elaine writes -

This is how her days usually go,
full of stops and starts, rarely a smooth flow.


On top of all the things we have to do, Elaine touches on how we're desperate for help. For many of us without household help or family to rely on, we turn to that dreaded device: the TV, or the iPad, or the smartphone. Sometimes we have to feed the always-hungry kids instant noodles, or hotdogs, or chips. Because we don't always have the time to cook. Or sometimes because it's just easier dammit. But ease seems to be something mothers shouldn't enjoy, and there is a poignant pain that twinges my heart as I read Elaine's plea for understanding. 

And then Elaine writes the words every mom says to herself at the end of another chaotic day.


Ain't that the truth.

In her Lithub article, The Heartbreaking Ingenuity of the Mother-Writer, Olivia Campbell writes, "Women writers have always been up against the expectation that they can do it all, all at once. Male authors are lauded as disciplined recluses for closing themselves away to write; women are praised for juggling writing and family simultaneously. But you can’t have it both ways. Either writing is a laborious, worthwhile craft requiring time alone or it’s not, no matter the writer’s gender. 'How does she do it all?' society muses while staring at the bedraggled mom-author clutching her book in one hand and her baby in the other. By having no work-life balance or boundaries. Losing sleep. Hiding in pantries. Getting increasingly angry by the lack of support. By nearly drowning." (italics mine)

No sleep, no rest, no time alone to collect oneself. And yet we persist in doing the work that separates us from the roles of wife and mother. For me, it's my work that saves me from the drowning. It's my writing that convinces me I am my own person, even if I love giving myself to others. It's what stops me from screaming into the void of duty. It's what takes my eyes away from the despair of exhaustion.

Don't worry, the book isn't all desperation. After that page where the mom in Elaine's book is undone by all her unfinished tasks, the book takes on a tender realization. 


Daddy to the rescue! I love how dads never seem to be worried. I guess that's how amazing moms are haha! Because moms are so focused on the tiny details, dads can see the big picture and know that we're doing okay, that this won't last, that this is actually the sweetest days of our life.

(On that note, not gonna lie, I am SO GLAD that stage is over. True, it was so sweet but I am in a much better place now that I can breathe. And read. And spend more than 5 minutes in the bathroom.)

And that's what I love about Mama, Interrupted. The book describes a mother's day - the chaos, the desperation, the wish to do her best - but it never shows resentment for the adorable interruptions. Having kids is difficult and the book doesn't shy away from that. That's why I urge everyone to give a copy to friends who just got married and are dreaming of babies. The book tells you it's going to be hard. But... It is what it is but it's not that bad as long as mama has support from her husband.

I appreciate that the book also brings attention to the role of dads. They're important, of course, as a father, but the mama also needs him as her husband, the one who anchors her when she's spiraling from all the drudgery of motherhood, the one who calms her down with his strength and logic, the one who assures her that after all this craziness, she still has him.


Mama, Interrupted is actually a book for moms disguised as a children's book. It's a love letter to her. It's an assurance - "I see you, mama, and I see all that you do. You're doing an amazing job." And isn't that what we mamas need? Not exactly gratitude because this is our duty. But it's ever so nice to be acknowledged. 

All that in a little book? Yes! It's a tender book with many hard truths. Easy to read and digest because of the rhyme, and a wonderful gift to give the moms in your life to tell her, "I see you. I love you. I honor you."  

Get your copy of Mama, Interrupted by Elaine Natividad Reyes. It's only P399 but you save more if you buy more! Order here.

* * * * * * *

I review books written by Filipinos. If you're a mom, I'll prioritize it! 

Follow me on Threads, @francesampersales

Sunday, May 12, 2024

I'll always be special

I love this video of an experiment involving blindfolded kids picking out their moms in a lineup. Using just touch and smell, the kids all accurately picked out their mamas.


I remembered this documentary I watched a long time ago, on emperor penguins coming back from the ocean, their tummies full of fish. On a vast expanse of ice, thousands of baby penguins wait, and they're all the same kind of fluffy and white, and I thought there's just no way the parents can find their baby. But they do, they do. They find their very own!

I love how special each mommy felt. How unique and how loved!

But did you also feel each mommy's apprehension that their child won't recognize them? I did. I felt the real fear behind the worry. How many of us moms think that we're all taken for granted, pushed to the side, hidden in the background, always in the supporting role, forgotten, unappreciated, unseen?

I feel that sometimes! But that's silly really. I must never forget that I'll always be incredibly special to three precious boys and their Papa. And that's more than enough for me. Really. That's more than I deserve, and I am grateful.

Happy Mother's Day, mamas! Thank you for all that you do. We're not invisible. They know what we do and they love us. Remember that!


*This is a repost from my now-unpublished blog, Topaz Mommy!