Karla Estrada is fondly called "Queen Mother" by her friends because of the strong motherly image she projects on- and off-cam.
But despite her tough persona, she is actually a softie at heart, especially with issues related to her kids.
These days, it hurts her to think of the inevitable reality that her kids will soon fly the coop now that they're all grown up.
The 45-year-old mom of four confesses in an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), "Hanggang ngayon nandoon ako.
"Meron talagang fear of transition, meron talagang fear of separation.
"Iyong sepanx na tinatawag natin, especially kapag hands-on na mother ka 'tapos nandyan ka buong buhay nila.
"It actually scares me a lot na ang mga anak ko onti-onting aalis sa tabi ko."
Recently, Karla expressed her separation anxiety in her caption for a photo of her daughter Margaret or "Magui" on Instagram (published as is), "My 1st baby girl will be turning 18 soon... [sad with tear emoji] Why so fast? [crying emoji]"
The Kapamilya star has been a single mom since she gave birth to her eldest son, Daniel, who is turning 25 this year.
Her two other children are Jose Carlito and Leila.
With the wisdom she has gained from raising her brood, the Kapamilya star knows that the best way to deal with her fear is just to let things flow naturally.
She tells PEP.ph, "But iyon ay normal na bagay sa buhay na hindi natin puwedeng pigilan, kung hindi tanggapin natin and i-support natin sila...
"And just be there. Hindi mo naman kailangan mawala, e. Hindi naman sila aalis ng tuluyan.
"Just be there, be attached, and constant communication is very important para ma-feel mo na they're still there, nandiyan lang sila."
Aside from providing all the moral support that her kids need, Karla also makes it a point to maintain their family's strong ties by holding bonding sessions every week.
"Every Sunday, hanggang pag tanda ko, magiging tradisyon na kikitain ako, na mabubuo ko sila," she says.
PEP.ph spoke to Karla at the Lady's Choice Creamy Christmas Village event held last November 27, 2019, at the Glorietta 2 Activity Center, Makati City.