• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

Mommy Mundo

multi-platform parent resource and community in the Philippines

  • Community
    • MomShare
    • Momfluence Network
  • Learn
    • Events
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact
  • Show Search
Hide Search

in Mom Solutions

Know Your Strengths: Be a Better Parent

Twelve years ago, I became a new mom. I distinctly remember coming home from the hospital with my tiny baby and carefully laying her down on her crib. I stared at her and nervously asked myself, “Now, what?!” I had read so much about preparing for the baby WHILE she was inside my tummy but right then and there I realized, I was clueless about what to do now that she was OUT!

What if Your Child is So Different from You?

How could I create a loving relationship with my firstborn, Martina? I had so many “dreams for her” and how she “should” be so she could grow up to be a loving, compassionate, successful adult. But as she grew older, I realized there were so many things about her that I am not!

When our 2nd daughter, Natalia, arrived 4 years after, the differences even became more apparent and so did the amazement and wonder and yes, the challenges too!

While Martina has some traits that are very different from mine, I am so glad she has them. Other times though, our differences drive me to frustration. “Why can’t you just obey?” Why does everything have to be a negotiation?”

Oftentimes, my husband, Iñaki and I would even joke each other about who she got her frustrating traits from and we would pass knowing glances at each other whenever she would exhibit these behaviors or say something amusing but also exasperating.


unnamed-2.jpg

Being a Better Parent Starts with Being a Better You

My journey as a 7 Habits for Highly Effective People facilitator, a People Acuity Certified Coach and Gallup Certified Strengths Coach helped me to unlearn, re-learn, and continue to learn more about Parenting.

I realized that Parenting is not about my children and it’s not about my relationship with my husband or with our partners in raising our children. I realized that Parenting starts and is influenced by my own relationship with MYSELF.

The higher self-awareness and self-control I have, the less judgmental I am with myself and with my husband, and with my children. Knowing more about ourselves, the way we SEE ourselves, our lens…our Strengths, will help us become better Parents. It will help us understand and embrace our own uniqueness, celebrate our differences with others especially with our own children, and learn how to harness and develop the Strengths of our own children.

Our children’s greatest gift to us is in enabling us to form a more intimate relationship with ourselves, making us continually step out of our comfort zones, and step into our growth zone. When we replace judgment with curiosity, we open up ourselves to the gift of getting to know ourselves and our children better and accept that when they are turning out to not be the image that we want them to be and straying from the field of dreams that we created even before they could walk or talk … it’s not that they are wrong, bad, or doomed for life…. It is only that they are different from us and they are creating their own path.

We are here to model, guide, coach, teach, and pray with them. It was humbling for me to realize that I am NOT better than anyone else, including my children, no matter how old they are.

Celebrating our Strengths… and Our Differences

Looking now at my 12- year old Martina and 8-year old Natalia… I am enjoying my role as a mother WITH them. We continually discover our strengths and learn how to communicate better when we trigger each other or we don’t see eye to eye because now I know that it’s not because they just want to disobey me. They are showing to me a strength that they have… they are revealing themselves to me… and I have learned to re-frame that to a discovery experience…a learning experience…a bonding moment that can help both of us get to our truest selves and love “unconditionally.” Instead of focusing on what they are weak at and what frustrates me about them, I have learned to focus on what they are great at and spot their strengths. I have learned to acknowledge them even for the little things that they do well. Every moment that I have with them, I try to see what they are doing well and acknowledge them for it with little things and big things.

When I saw my tween daughter spend time clipping her hair away from her eyes, I took that as an opportunity to compliment how she did it and the effect to me which was that I was able to see more of her bright and beautiful eyes. I noticed from then on she started being more mindful about how she fixes herself. She still doesn’t do it all the time (or even most of the time) but when I notice that she has forgotten, I just look at her and she looks at me, and she ends up smiling and she already knows what she forgot to do! It saves us a lot of nagging and heated arguments. My youngest daughter is really caring and sometimes to a fault that she wants to please people and has difficulty expressing her own needs. Knowing this as a strength, I point out to her what she’s doing well when she cares for people and I also constantly ask her what she needs and what frustrates her and give her the permission to say No to people asking for her help. She now has learned to say No when she feels that she needs to do something else first.


unnamed.jpg

We need to invest in ourselves and in our children to learn this and we can make it really fun. Instead of just investing on a new gadget for your children to “entertain” them when they are bored (or help them with their homework in school so they can be academically gifted), it is also important to be able to learn more about your own strengths and the strengths of each member of the family, how to apply Strengths Strategies so you may be able to SEE each other more accurately, calibrate your strengths when they are on overdrive and showing up as a weakness, and express these strengths while lifting each other, and creating a judgment free, safe zone where every member of the family would love to come home and always look forward to it. When each of us has created this home, imagine how many young lives we could save from depression, and even suicide!

Parents bring Work Joy wherever they are. When we know our own strengths and that of our children, we will re-connect with the basic fact that our VALUE is UNCONDITIONAL, that we are made up of our own Strengths and Weaknesses and both are OK, and we will live our lives with confident vulnerability, non judgement, and freedom to be who we are meant to be.


unnamed-3.jpg

About the Contributor

Kit Malvar Llamas is a Gallup Certified Coach and People Acuity’s leading international partner. She is a talented facilitator of learning and executive coach and a highly sought after FranklinCovey facilitator. Kit is known for instinctively understanding business problems and leading a customized strategy to resolve them. #shiftupwithkit

Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @MOMMYMUNDO

Pregnancy is a beautiful, transformative journey — one that brings new life, new love, and a whole new chapter. 🤰🏻 For over a decade, Pregnant Pause has been here to support that journey — a signature prenatal program by Mommy Mundo, guided by trusted prenatal educator Rome Kanapi, and designed to prepare expecting moms and dads for what’s to come. 💖

Join us on July 19 at Estancia Mall for a meaningful day of learning and connection. From 2PM–5PM, take part in our prenatal class with Rome Kanapi’s time-tested module, along with expert-led talks on pregnancy and newborn care — stay tuned for the full lineup! 🤗

All day long, from 10AM–7PM, explore our Mom Market — a space that not only celebrates motherhood but also champions our beloved mompreneur businesses. Shop, discover, and support the incredible women building brands from the heart. 🛍️🌸

Admission is free — just register at mommymundo.com/pregnantpause 

#MommyMundo #PregnantPause #MommyMundoPregnantPause #Pregnancy #Nesting #Mompowerment #Mompreneurs #MomMarket
When rolling over feels like a full-body workout a When rolling over feels like a full-body workout and sitting up requires a 3-step strategy, you know you’re deep into the third trimester! 🤰🏻🤭

But don’t worry, Mama, you’ve got this! 💪🏻 Here are three quick tips to help you through:

✨Prioritize Rest: Your body is working overtime. Listen to it and take breaks when needed.

✨Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help reduce swelling and keep you energized.

✨Gentle Exercise: Activities like prenatal yoga can ease discomfort and prepare your body for labor.

Looking for more support and community? 🤰🏻Join us this July for Pregnant Pause, Mommy Mundo’s signature prenatal workshop facilitated by pioneering childbirth educator Rome Kanapi. It’s an event filled with expert talks, fun activities, and a Mama Market where you can shop for baby essentials. It’s like a giant baby shower with a twist of wisdom and fun! 🤗

Participation is free, but pre-registration is a must. Reserve your spot now and connect with fellow moms-to-be! 💖➡️ bit.ly/PregnantPauseJuly

Video by Mommy Princess @biogesingh 📸💕 Thank you!

#MommyMundo #ThirdTrimesterStruggles #PregnancyHumor #MomCon #MomConnect #PregnantPause #PrenatalWorkshop #MomLife
What’s inside our ALPHA Mom Welcome Kit? 👀✨ What’s inside our ALPHA Mom Welcome Kit? 👀✨

Everything a new mom needs to feel supported, seen, and ready for the journey ahead 💕

This Welcome Kit is just one of the perks when you join ALPHA Mom by Mommy Mundo — a year-long support program for first-time moms with babies aged 0–6 months. You’ll get:

✨ Monthly Zoom learning sessions with expert speakers tailored to your baby’s developmental stage

✨ Two special kits delivered to your doorstep: the Welcome Kit and a 6-month Milestone Kit

All of this and more for an introductory price of just ₱999/year!

Join ALPHA Mom today and start your motherhood journey with care and community. 🤗

Sign up at mommymundo.com/alphamom 🫶🏻

P.S. Thanks for joining us in supporting new moms and dads through ALPHA Mom ✨
@stitcharookids 
@biteblockprotect 
@hoppi.ph 
@anmumph 
@bebebalm 
@smilesorganics 
@babydovecare 
@cyclesbaby 
@cradle_natural 
@redsealph 

#MommyMundo #MommyMundoALPHAMom #MomConnect #Mompowerment
It’s week 18 of our #yearofconnection ! Don’t It’s week 18 of our #yearofconnection ! Don’t forget to take time for a fun Connection Question convo with the fam this weekend! ❤️✨

We’re aiming to make 2025 a year of Connection through our weekly activity.
 
The best time to have these casual discussions would be when in relax mode with your children. Sit together, (set aside the gadgets!) remove possible distractions, and be present ✨❤️ Take turns asking each other this question for week 6! Just listen and simply acknowledge the sharing.:) 

Even if tempted to dish out advice or to react, this isnt the time for that. Allow for a safe space, and connections will flow and follow.🫶🏻🙏🏼 

Most importantly, enjoy this time together! 

…

Join us weekly for this activity and after 50 questions, we will end the year more connected and attuned with ourselves and each other. If you just heard about this now, check out our highlights to get started! ✨ 

18/50 #calltoconnect
#mommymundo 
#momconnect
#parenting #family #motherhood
At Mommy Mundo, we believe every mom’s journey i At Mommy Mundo, we believe every mom’s journey is worth celebrating — not just this May, Mother’s Month, but every single day. 💖

As the month comes to a close, we’re sharing a few heartfelt reflections from Mommy @hannasdomingo — reminders of the strength, grace, and growth that come with motherhood. 

Be part of our ever-growing mom community ⬇️

📸 Tag us in your posts for a chance to be featured 

And don’t forget to join our Mommy Mundo Moms Community — exclusive treats and surprises are coming your way this June! Link in bio! 👋🏻 

#MommyMundo #MommyMundoMoms #MommyMundoCommunity #Mompowerment #Momcon #MomConnect
You give so much of yourself every single day—ho You give so much of yourself every single day—holding it all together, showing up with love even when you’re running on empty. And sometimes, it’s the smallest pause that makes you stop and think, “I needed this.” 💖

At Mommy Mundo, we create spaces where moms can breathe, connect, and feel seen. Whether that’s on ground or online, we’re here to be with you in every stage of motherhood. 🤗

Join our mom community. 👋🏻
Sign up for our mailing list and stay updated on upcoming events. 💌

You can also join our Mommy Mundo Moms Facebook group—we’ve got some exciting things coming up, exclusive to our members! 

Check our bio for the links! See you there! 🤗 

#MommyMundo #MommyMundoMoms #MomCommunity #MomCon #MomConnect
Preparing for baby can feel overwhelming—but hav Preparing for baby can feel overwhelming—but having a clear checklist can make it a lot more joyful and manageable. 🤰🏻

Here are six mommy must-haves to get you started:

✨Baby Clothes – Soft, comfy outfits for newborn snuggles and everyday wear.

✨Sleep Space – A safe, cozy crib or bassinet for baby’s restful sleep.

✨Sanitizing Supplies – Clean bottles, pacifiers, and surfaces with gentle, baby-safe products.

✨Baby Bag – Pack the essentials for hospital day and your first trips out.

✨Baby Gear – Stroller, car seat, and carrier to keep baby secure on the go.

✨Postpartum Essentials – Comfort items for mama’s recovery and well-being.

Want more tips and a moment to breathe before baby comes? 

Join us this July for our next Pregnant Pause — stay tuned for the exact date and venue! 💖

Sign up for the waitlist: bit.ly/PregnantPauseJune 

#MommyMundo #PregnantPause #MommyMundoPregnantPause
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2025 · MOMMY MUNDO GLOBAL · SITE DESIGN BY FGD