“Being a parent is never easy”, is a line we usually hear from first time parents. Adjusting to married life is indeed one big milestone, but welcoming another human being to the world is a totally different story. For Slater Young and Kryz Uy-Young, their new role as first-time parents was brought to another level in the midst of the pandemic.
When the two found out they were having a baby during the threat of COVID-19, they feared for the safety of their child as any other parent would feel. “There was a lot of anxiety and uncertainty,” says Slater. To comply with the community quarantine, they had to limit doctor visits and depended mostly on teleconsultations. “We only went to see our OB when we had scheduled ultrasound checkups. Two weeks before giving birth, we both took PCR tests and rapid tests to make sure we were COVID-19 free when Scott came,” adds Kryz.
When Scott arrived last June, they were forced to do everything on their own, relying heavily on virtual guidance from their parents. “We would have wanted our parents to be here to help us with Scott, but with all the COVID-19 cases surprising us here in Cebu, we all decided it would be better and safer to stay apart for now,” says Slater and Kryz. “There is a lot of trial and error because of that, and we keep adjusting and learning daily.”
As parents, adjusting to a newborn baby means no sleep at all. But now that Scott is three months old, Kryz shared they have established a daily routine, juggling their daily to-dos like cleaning the house, cooking and attending to work online, and making sure they have a little bit of me time, which is just as important. “He (Slater) usually takes Scottie for a few hours in the morning so I can squeeze in a workout or take a nap,” shares Kryz.
The pandemic may have put their guards way up, but for the two, being a little bit paranoid allowed them to make sure caring for their child is as worry-free as possible. “Because we can’t predict the outcome of this pandemic, or when it will end, it’s best to play it on the safe side. I always say, the enemy is one step ahead of us because it is invisible. We need to be extra safe and get protected in all areas we can control,” says Kryz.
And with a future full of uncertainties, Kryz and Slater want to make sure all bases are covered, including their finances, making the best of what they have for Scott. “When you work in an environment like online content creation, income comes on a per project basis. It’s never steady and you never know how much you will be earning next month, next year, or five years down the line. It’s super important to be on top of your finances, especially when you have a family to support,” Kryz quips.
As part of its mission to race against risk and protect Filipinos families from life’s uncertainties, AIA Philam Life recently introduced a new product to help parents like Kryz and Slater be one step ahead of their child’s future medical needs.
Peace of Mind with AIA Philam Life
Based on the same product launched early this year, AIA Philam Life reintroduced AIA Med-Assist, this time with benefits specifically for children. It is a variable life insurance plan with medical benefit rider designed to address medical expenses due to hospitalization of 0 to 17-year-olds.
The benefits of AIA Med-Assist for children will help parents protect their children and finances against health-related risks, giving them peace of mind as they focus on their child’s recovery. It covers 90% of in-patient hospitalization and other medical expenses. The product also has a life insurance benefit and an investment fund that can help parents build their child’s medical fund in the future.
This year may seem bleak to many, but no matter the atmosphere, both Kryz and Slater only want their little family to have a healthier, longer, and better life, just as AIA Philam Life promises every Filipino family.
“If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we can’t be complacent. We never know what will happen next,” adds Kryz and Slater. True enough, they have been thinking about the future of Scott more often these days, putting his future first, just like any parent would do. “We have definitely been thinking more long term when it comes to our savings and investments. It’s not just about us anymore.”
To know more about AIA Med-Assist, visit AIA Philam Life on Facebook, email philamlife@aia.com or call (02)8528-2000.
