In line with Mother’s Day and in support of modern moms across the country, Reckitt Pinas organized “The Modern Home Project: A Media Briefing on the Progressive Role of Mothers in Maintaining a Healthy Household.” Held at the Reckitt Pinas office in Makati on May 10, 2023, the event brought together moms, two registered nutritionists and dieticians and one pediatrician, who are experts in health, hygiene and nutrition.  

 Mothers wear many hats for the benefit of their families. They play the role of providers, homemakers, advisors, teachers, and more. For all the things mothers do to make the lives of their loved ones better, mothers deserve to be celebrated all year round. 

A shared experience

Lady Imelda de Guzman, registered nutritionist dietitian from the Nutrition Section of the Makati Health Office defined health as “the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease.” In her presentation, de Guzman highlighted several tips in creating healthy nutrition at home. “Make meals a shared experience,” said de Guzman. She advised moms “not to go to the grocery when you are hungry,” as this creates additional budget expense for moms.

“My life is in your hands,” highlights the importance of the first 1000 days of a child. This was the first message from the presentation of Prof. Angie Navasero, a faculty from the University of Santo Tomas. Navasero also described the five components of nurturing care, which includes: good health, adequate nutrition, responsible caregiving, and early learning opportunities. “To reach a child’s full potential, children need these five interrelated components,” said Navasero. 

“Beyond providing children with nutritious meals, practicing good hygiene by frequently washing hands and thoroughly cleaning utensils, cookware and high-touch surfaces can go a long way in ensuring each member of the family stays healthier throughout their lives,” said Navasero.

Creating a nurturing environment

Especially in today’s world, understanding health goes beyond the physical environment. In her presentation entitled, “The importance of a nurturing environment in the wellness of a child,” Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao, general pediatrician said that nurturing family relationships help gain acceptance and action on health, hygiene and nutritional practices at home. “One of the most important parenting provisions is to create a safe and supportive environment for children, to be sensitive to the child’s needs and distress and to respond appropriately,” said Dr. Estanislao.

Like Prof. Navasero, Dr. Estanislao touched on the five components of nurturing care. She explained that nurturing care is characterized by a stable environment that promotes health and optimal nutrition and protects children from threats, and gives them opportunities for early learning, through affectionate interactions and relationships. “A child’s home environment, including and especially how their parents/caregivers nurture and raise them, has long-lasting effects on several outcomes including the child’s physical, mental, developmental, and socioemotional health.” 

Everyday relentless efforts of mothers

Throughout a child’s life, parents provide children with a foundation of good nutrition, health, and hygiene practices. This program is a celebration of the relentless pursuit of mothers to instill these best practices in the lives of children.

Sachin Budhraja, president and general manager of Reckitt Philippines explained that this program is a celebration of Mother’s Day. “A celebration of all the relentless efforts that mothers put into practice every day in building a healthier and cleaner home.”

All panelists agreed on the need to establish these best practices home through a shared experience. Dr. Estanislao said, “parents and caregivers should model the behaviors and healthy habits they want their children to adopt and should couple this with routine and consistency.”

“Asking children what they want by listening to them is a good way to learn what a child wants,” said Mommy Vanna. She said while it is hard to get children to eat fruits and vegetables, she advised mom to have a reward system. “Sometimes, a reward can be a cheat snack.”  Reyes also shared that “children describe your time with them as love.” 

“In support of mothers across the country, the Modern Home Project aims to create conversations and provide support that moms need to succeed in keeping their homes and families healthy,” adds Budhraja. “That’s because we’re committed to doing the right thing, not only for our business, but also for the families we serve as well.”