Podcast host and “Cheats” vocalist Saab Magalona got candid about her parenting journey, specifically about raising a son with special needs.
In a social media post on Monday, the musician revealed that the scratches on her shoulder tell a story she doesn’t always share, but is undeniably part of her parenting journey.
“As a mom of a child who’s still learning how to communicate, it’s taken years of literal blood, sweat, and tears to get to this point,” she wrote.
Saab mentioned she often got scratch marks on her shoulder, but highlighted that it has become rare. When it does happen, she stated it still hurts.
“It’s hard not to take it personally but trust me: that never helps,” she emphasized, adding that the fastest way to calm her son down is to acknowledge it by saying, “I know you didn’t want to hurt me” and assuring him that she’s there to listen.
“Yes, I still get hurt. Yes, I still get mad, especially when he hurts himself. This is the truth. But here’s another truth: he’s come so far. WE have come so far,” Saab elaborated.
“If you’re a parent going through something similar, please know: you’re not alone.It will get better,” she added.
As advice, the musician told her followers to keep assuming competence even if their kids are nonverbal. It helps when you talk to them and reassure them that you are not afraid of them or their feelings.
“Hug them! Let them know they are safe with you. Let’s keep going,” she ended.
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Saab and her husband Jim Baccaro’s son Pancho, or their “miracle boy” as they describe him, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. In a vlog from 2020, Saab shared the story of Pancho’s birth and the heartbreaking moment of losing Pancho’s twin, Luna, who they lost after her heart stopped beating at birth.
Beating the Odds
As a 17-day-old baby, Pancho had to undergo brain surgery, as he had already suffered many complications.
Pancho was able to beat the odds. However, the couple was informed by doctors that he would have some form of disability.
In an Instagram post in January 2025, Saab uploaded a video of Pancho walking with a walker, seven years after they were told that “he wouldn’t last the night.”
All smiles, Pancho seemed to enjoy his walker as his mother stood by his side.
“The goal was never to have a perfect child. The goal has always been to raise a child who feels deeply loved,” Saab wrote in the video.
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