WATCH: Cheesy mom confessions

MANILA, Philippines – The bond between a mother and her child is always changing.

At four or five years old, a child clings to his mom, crying in front of the gates of his new school, afraid of strangers and being away from home.

Then he begins to forge friendships. At meal times, he tells his mom detailed stories of how his day went. Every morning, he becomes excited for school, and does not hesitate to return his mom’s hugs, kisses, and “I love you”s.

Fast forward to his 20s, and the child is all grown up and independent – no longer the kid who cried on the first day of kindergarten.

Now, the mother has to compete for his attention against school, work, peers, colleagues, and even gadgets. She knows her child loves her, and occasionally, he shows appreciation for the little things that she she does, such as cooking for him his favorite meal after a long day at work.

But he doesn’t hug her back, or say “I love you” as often as he did before. And she misses it. 

A mother’s warm hug to make everything better

When we were children, it was effortless for us to show our love for our moms. But as grown-ups, we tend to not show our affection as often as we did before.

This is exactly the sentiment of a mother in Hug, an Eden Yakap story. A grown-up daughter is well-loved and affectionate with her friends and peers. But when it comes to her mom, she only manages to exchange quick words of acknowledgment at home.

It takes a heartbreak, a hug, and a favorite meal made with cheese to heal the bond between them. Parents who have grown-up children know this all too well. New parents must learn to prepare for this as their own children grow. 

On May 16, Tuesday, Rappler, in partnership with Eden, will host a live post-Mother’s Day hangout between three moms who will share their own parenting experiences.

We’ve invited Donita Rose, actress and chef; Rica Peralejo, actress; Andi Manzano, host and actress; and Shari Poquiz of The Misty Mom to share how they stay involved in their child’s growing up years, and how they find and make time for hugs every day.

As this happens, we will also moderate a Q&A on Facebook so viewers can also weigh in on the discussion.

Bookmark this page and follow Rappler on Facebook on Tuesday to watch our live stream and participate in our discussion beginning 12 noon. – Rappler.com