In Muntinlupa City, 26-year-old Romarie carries the quiet strength of many Filipino mothers. She is a parent to four young children aged 7, 5, 2, and a 9-month-old baby girl. Each day begins early. She prepares meals, manages the household, and tends to her children while her husband works long hours outside home.
“I do everything for our children,” said Romarie. She believed that doing it all was what being a good mother meant. “You already have many kids, you should know that by now,” like many mothers, this is a line she often heard and eventually believed.
Her views began to shift when she joined a nurturing care session through Save the Children’s SUNBRIGHT+ Project. It is an initiative that supports parents and caregivers during the First 1,000 Days of a child's life. Romarie is one of 142 caregivers in her city taking part in “Playdate+” sessions. Facilitated by trained barangay health workers and a community support group, it is an activity that aims to improve the knowledge, practices, and habits of caregivers of children aged 0 to 3 years.
There, Romarie learned how to better support her children’s health, nutrition, safety, and early learning. She began to understand that caregiving wasn’t just about routines—it is about connection and giving the strong start every child deserves.
Through these sessions, Romarie discovered a deeper meaning of care. Beyond providing food, shelter, clothing, and protection, she learned the value of being present, responsive, and emotionally available for children in ways she had not fully recognized before.
One moment stood out. One day Ces* (not her real name), her 9-month-old daughter cried while she was doing the laundry. As she usually did, she focused on finishing the chore first. But the crying only grew louder and persistent. “The work takes longer because she won’t stop crying until I carry her,” she said. Romarie used to think it was more practical to finish housework before responding to a crying child. But through SUNBRIGHT+, she learned to just pause and be present.
She also began to connect differently with her eldest daughter, Kaye* (not her real name). The seven-year-old often woke up early to help care for her younger siblings. One day, Romarie saw her quietly gazing out the window, watching children her age play. It struck her: Kaye needed time to be a child, too. “When I was a young, I didn’t get to play much because I was always working in the fields. That is why I promised myself that my children would have the chance to play. Childhood isn’t complete without it,” she said. Her daughter loves pretending to be a teacher and enjoys guiding her younger siblings.
Through SUNBRIGHT+, children are gaining what every child deserves—time to play, rest, and enjoy their childhood. By supporting parents to shift long-standing habits, the program helps protect every child’s right to a full and joyful childhood.
Romarie also learned that caring for herself is part of caring for her children. “If I’m unwell, my children are affected too. I need to be okay so I can take care of them well,” she said. With growing confidence, she said she now dreams of applying for work someday.
“Before, I felt like I had no one to talk to. Now, I have people I can share stories with. It feels lighter,” she said. As an active member of her community support group, Romarie continues to learn alongside other parents. She listens to their experiences, shares what she’s learned, and reminds them to look after their own wellbeing too.
More than 60 parents like Romarie are now part of peer-led spaces where families connect and support one another. She hopes every parent, especially mothers, feel supported and never alone. “We should help each other. And if you need help, don’t be afraid to ask,” she said. She believes caregiving should be shared between partners and not placed solely on mothers who stay at home.
With better support, Romarie has also come to better understand her children's moods, needs, and daily rhythms. She soothes her baby before finishing chores. She lets her eldest sleep in instead of waking her to babysit. She listens more, rushes less, and creates space for play and bonding.
“I used to think I already knew everything,” Romarie reflected. “But I realized the things I didn’t know were the most important.” Every day, she puts her learnings into practice so her children can grow up safe, supported, and understood.
Today, her home feels more peaceful. Daily routines are easier. Parenting is more joyful.