NIDO 3+ believes moms are #1 — here's how it shows that

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 7) — Milk brand Nido has updated its iconic “You’re My #1“ campaign to adopt a more modern view on motherhood. The song continues to be an earworm for those who saw the original version on television during the early 2000s. It was first released in 2008 and performed again in 2014. Each version has featured household names in the Filipino showbiz industry, making it even more recognizable.

While the song, now 15 years old, still continues to be a powerful and encouraging anthem to mothers, the newer version offers a refreshing perspective to empowerment. Spliced between smiles are scenes of mothers acknowledging their negative feelings, such as failing at tasks or feeling tired. Their children combat these with encouragement, expressing to their mothers that, to them, they are beautiful and strong, and their love has created a safe space for them to grow. “Sana you could see you like I do,” they sing in the video.

The picture of the perfect mother differs from person to person. In fact, the notion of this has evolved massively throughout the centuries. Motherhood was once viewed as the only option for women, balanced only with housework and maintaining the “ideal image” of a homemaker.

Now, the idea of “motherhood” has changed. Most modern moms balance motherhood with their own careers, ushering in a dismantling of the “ideal image” built centuries ago. In fact, a study by Meeussen and Van Laar found links between the pressure to meet “perfect mother” norms and parental burnout.

The AsianParent conducted a poll within its community to investigate how Filipino moms are affected by these predominant views on motherhood. The poll found that almost 80% of Filipino moms blame themselves when something does not go right. In addition to that, despite the growing importance of self-care and mental health, 79% of Filipino moms still feel guilty about even wanting to rest, feeling they should be doing chores despite feeling exhausted.

This is a global phenomenon. Unrealistic norms around motherhood have also been linked to depressive symptoms — a number that doubled during the pandemic.

Mothers are pushing back toward this ideal by expressing their difficulties more openly in the hopes of creating a safer space to embark on their motherhood journeys, without the added societal pressure.

As a parent, naturally, some days are harder — and met with less sleep — than others. There is nothing wrong with acknowledging that. With life, everything works in a balance. Blessings come with their fair share of struggles.

One fact, however, hasn’t changed throughout the years — motherhood is a full-time job. Mothers now come in every shape or form, and to their children, they will be viewed as their #1Mom.

While the original campaign and the updated one both celebrate mothers, depicting how children are appreciative of the love and support their mothers have given them, the new video embraces how the image of a mother has shifted from fantasy to reality. It shows how well a brand like NIDO 3+ understands that moms are so much more than these images the ideals have painted. As a brand, it ensures that it celebrates all different types of mothers and all the ways they show their kids love.

What does motherhood look like for you? Share your stories and experiences with us.