meet the family!
Meet Lydia Kennedy from Oak Flats and her daughters Jacinta Pereira from Shell Cove (mum to Elio, aged 2) and Juanita Valentin from Oak Flats
Tell us about your background and who is in your family?
Lydia – I am a proud Filipino, born and raised in Eastern Samar. My parents were farmers. I grew up with eight brothers and sisters. I came to Australia in my early 20’s after marrying Jacy’s dad. Jacy was born soon after. Fast forward three years when I met my next great love. Juanny came soon after that, completing our family. My grandson Elio calls me Nanay, pronounced ‘nun-ai’, the Tagalog word for mother. It is often used as a tribute or expression of love and respect for a mother or maternal figure.
Jacinta - I was raised by three parents, an Aussie dad (we were thick as thieves), a Spanish dad (who raised me as his own) and a Filipino mum. A little sister was the best thing that our parents ever gave me. A lifelong bestie! I’m now married to a tall, dark, and handsome Portuguese-Aussie man and together we made Elio.
Juanita - We are the definition of a blended family. I am half Filipino and half Spanish; my sissy is half Filipino and half Aussie and our parents were friends… you see what I mean by blended! My fiancé’s name is Troy and he’s half Māori and half Australian.
What was your early experience of motherhood and what does this season look like now?
Lydia - To begin with, motherhood was a lonely journey. I moved to Australia barely speaking the language with no family except my new husband and in-laws, and Jacy’s dad had epilepsy making it very difficult to share the load. It wasn’t until I reached out to the local Filipino community that I started to feel more and more at home. Now even though my girls are all grown up, I’m still mum.
Jacinta - I am so deeply grateful to have been blessed with such a happy, curious, and cheeky baby. He is my greatest achievement, my heart-healer, my happy place, my love. With this said, parenthood was a complete shock to the system. Can I get an amen?! Being a mother is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. It kicks my butt every single day, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! It took me this long to truly accept that I too was reborn the day I gave birth to Elio.
As a parent, is there anything you've done differently in terms of parenting, compared to your own experiences growing up?
Jacinta - Yes, absolutely. My parents were old school. Dad was the breadwinner. My Mum was a stay-at-home mum who did everything else – the cooking, cleaning, raising children etc. She really didn’t entertain the idea of a career until we were much older. My husband and I approached parenthood with a 50/50 mindset. We both parent. We both have careers. We both take care of the house.
Lydia - Raising my children in Australia gave me something my parents never had – security. My parents were poor farmers who worked 365 days of the year. There was no parental leave, no daycare which meant we were raised in the fields alongside our hardworking parents. Unlike them, I was able to enjoy parenting without worrying about food, shelter, safety etc.
“We have what’s called ‘Bestie Days’ here we take Elio to his favourite places with his favourite people. These are the memories that always fill up my cup.”
In what ways do you support your daughter and sister now that she has a child of her own?
Lydia - Both my daughters are very independent, so I like to give them the space that they need and just be there when I’m needed. Jacy knows that I’m only a phone call away. Support, advice, a shoulder to cry on… I’m always there to listen. I also make Jacy’s life easier by taking care of Elio every Monday and babysitting on date nights.
Juanita - Being an aunty has been one of the most fulfilling things I have ever experienced. I didn’t realise I could love someone as much as my nephew. I think one of the best ways to support my sister is by listening and being present. I think motherhood can sometimes be quite isolating which is why our family comes together often and we always show up for each other no matter what!
How do you like to spend time together?
Lydia - Exploring the local parks with Elio, teaching the girls how to cook Filipino food, watching a movie at the cinema, dominating a game of mahjong and eating out for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Jacinta - If you’re Filipino than you’ll know that food is life! It’s no different for our close-knit family. We regularly come together over food whether we’re shopping for it, cooking it, or eating it.
Juanita - We have what’s called “Bestie Days” where we take Elio to his favourite places with his favourite people. These are the memories that always fill up my cup. We also spend a lot of time together brainstorming and exploring ideas for our new business Follow Your Senses – sensory baby classes for curious minds. As sisters we’re super creative and we just love being able to cheer each other on!
Can you describe each other in three words?
Lydia - Friendly, kind and nice (Jacy) and kind, strong and brave (Nitty)
Jacinta - Courageous, resilient and patient (Mum) and creative, thoughtful and adventurous (Nitty)
Juanita – Strong, funny and she makes me feel ‘safe’ (Mum) and Jacy is my ‘best friend’ together we make the ultimate ‘foodie’ and she will always be my ‘loyal’ ride or die.