Today’s Faces of Parenting: Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo
Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo has been in showbiz for a long time and now she continues to accomplish her biggest role to date – motherhood.
This story first came out in Modern Parenting’s 2022 print edition.
The nation’s sweetheart continues to wow many years after. Now a renaissance woman, Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo manages to give her all in every endeavor, be it as an actress, host, restaurant owner, and mother in an almost effortless fashion.
When juggling many things at once, sacrifices often have to be made, and this is something Juday knows well. But the word “sacrifice” for her doesn’t necessarily have the doom-and-gloom connotation it usually entails. “True sacrifice for me means victory, simply because it requires free will to give up something for someone you love…more than yourself,” she shares. “And when you reach the point of true happiness, being with the most important people that you prayed for is all worth it.”
All In A Day’s Work
And it’s something she keeps in mind in the work she does, especially as a mom. When asked about how she manages her time between being a mom, running her restaurant, and engaging her showbiz career, Juday chalks it up to understanding one’s schedule. “[It’s] not hard to make time for yourself when you know your schedule and your children’s schedule naman,” she shares. “I try to wake up earlier before I prepare their baon, then start my day with a morning prayer… some quiet time, and self-affirmations. Then when I get a chance I do breathing exercises as well, then I meditate after I bring Luna to school.”
Aside from this, Juday has also picked up a few lessons in her years as a parent, especially as her kids
are currently in their teens and preteens. One important aspect is the importance of honest communication. “Madalas, as parents, we forget to listen and we allow our emotions react agad, kasi mas matanda tayo sa kanila…at dapat tama tayo. More often than not, may mali rin tayo when we allow our emotions to take control of the situation,” she explains. “We listen to our children [and] talk to them not just as parents, but also as best friends. We apologize ‘pag alam naming nadala kami ng emotions namin.”
Perfectly Imperfect Parenting
More importantly, Juday notes how her kids must understand that she and hubby Ryan Agoncillo aren’t perfect parents, as it allows them to grow together. “Wala namang perfect parents. Everybody makes mistakes, and they appreciate us parents more by acknowledging na nagkakamali din kami,” she says.
There is no single method or way to be parents, as these stars have proven. But by staying true
to one’s values and personality can one unlock the secret formula to successful modern-day parenting.
Read more stories about Juday on Modern Parenting:
Judy Ann Pens Message for New Mom Angelica Panganiban: ‘Handang Handa Ka Na’
LOOK: ‘Gimik’ Stars Judy Ann Santos, G Tongi, and Mylene Dizon Had a Mini-Reunion
Judyay Shares Excitement as Her Children Resume Face-to-Face Classes
