Actress Issa Litton may wear many hats, but she has always declared that the most fulfilling role she plays everyday is being a mother.
In an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), the 47-year-old events host opened up about her parenting journey.
MOM DUTIES
Issa revealed that she is busy supporting the endeavors of her daughters, 18-year-old Bella and 13-year-old Chasey.
"I have a debutante," she began.
When asked how the preparations are coming along, she replied, "You know what, it’s her party.
"I’m actually one of those parents that, you know, ‘It’s your party, not mine.’
"I just really need to make sure that the family is there, then make sure that her friends have a good time.
"She’s having Five Nights at Freddy's-themed party. And I say, ‘That’s what you want? Okay!’
"I’ll help with the planning, ‘cause her mom is in events, right?" she said with a laugh.
Five Night at Freddy's is a video game, which will release its movie version in October 2023.
Issa continued, "So I just want her to have fun. At the end of the day, it’s her party, so let her have her party."
The mother of two also revealed that aside from the upcoming debut, Bella is also expected to graduate soon.
"She’s graduating, and she already got in her college, her dream college, her dream course.
"In fact, she called me, I was abroad for work, and she was like, ‘Mama, pick up your phone.’
"I asked, ‘Why?’
"‘I got in!’
"She was so excited to share that she got in for college, and I was like, ‘Okay, thank God!’"
While Issa is still not ready to disclose the name of the school and the course Bella applied for, she said it's something that's bound to unfold in the coming days.
"It was her first pick, and she got in," Issa proudly revealed.
"She also knows, ‘Hey, let’s wait for the others [schools], you don’t have to make the decision now.’
"But I know that’s what she wants. So, just like with her party, it’s her life, I’ll let her pick."
As for her bunso, the Unica Hija actress excitedly related that Chasey excels in sports and music.
"Oh, wow! My younger one is actually a very, very good swimmer, so she’s still training. Hopefully, she gets a chance to compete in the nationals again this year.
"She loves playing the piano, and she also hangs out a lot with her friends.
"So I have two very good girls who are into their own different activities and interests.
"I’m a very proud mom."
PERMISSIVE PARENTING STYLE
With her experience in disciplining her children for 18 years and counting, Issa has relevant things to impart.
"I think that part is done for me," she answered.
"Because raising them, discipline, values, and all that really starts as children. And I’m not necessarily the one to just talk the talk, you also have to walk the walk."
Read also: Melai Cantiveros, moms reveal various ways to discipline children
"So, setting an example for your kids, and, of course I am not perfect. I am a parent who says sorry, you know.
"I'm not just an authority uh, I really like to believe that I have a relationship with my kids.
"Ako yung tatakbuhan kapag may ginawa silang mali. I will find out first before I get a call either from a teacher or another co-parent."
She tries to instill and maintain an open relationship with her kids.
"That’s the kind of parent I am," she said.
"Because again, if anything happens, why should I be the last to know, di ba?
"I’m also the first to say, I’m not perfect, oh my goodness.
"So, I grow as a parent because my children are growing up as well.
"My kids taught me how to be a mother. No one is an automatic mother, right?
"So, I think that’s it. Uh, there’s no formula to it."
Permissive parenting is a term used in psychology to describe a parenting style where children are given the freedom to freely regulate the bulk of their behavior and decisions.
When a parent is permissive, they view their child as an equal rather than simply one of their offsprings.
Read also: Is spanking your child necessary? For Cheska Kramer, Rica Peralejo, and Jodi Sta. Maria, it is!
Issa opened up, "For now, the validation that I get is when co-parents or when peers or teachers, their teachers, have something great to say, even when I don’t ask for it.
"It’s either a memo, a letter, an e-mail, or while waiting to pick them up.
"Someone’s like, ‘Hey, Bella shared her baon today with my child,’ or ‘Excuse me, are you Chasey's mom? You know she did this...’
"I’m not asking for it, but I get this feedback about my children."
On the assumption that she might not have had a hard time raising her kids, considering how well-mannered they are, Issa replied, "That’s not true naman. Parenting is never an easy job.
"But, I think if you have gratitude in your heart, and, yun nga, I don’t know everything, I tell them that: ‘Mama doesn’t know everything.’
"But the value system that we have in place is really again, respect, number one; two, truthfulness, honesty, authenticity, di ba? You do not have to be like anyone else.
"And three, be open. Sino pa ba magsasaluhan? E, di kami-kami lang din.
"So before you turn to your friends, you turn to other people, kailangan kami muna.
"So I make sure na solid yun."
ENTERING SHOWBIZ
Turns out, Bella actually has potential to be an actress just like her mom.
Issa expressed, "Oh, you know what, my panganay, my debutante is actually a performer.
"She’s into stage, she likes musicals, and she’s been pursuing that ever since she was in grade school.
"So if she wants to step into the limelight, I have no doubt she will find it on her own. She does not have to say I’m her mom. I guarantee that.
"She’s already making a name for herself. She does cosplay a lot."
The mompreneur shared that her eldest may even take after her in terms of being business-minded as well.
"She makes her own costumes, she does her own make-up, and there’s this little business already, like, ‘Mama, my friends commission me to do their wigs to their costumes,’ so, binabayaran siya.
"Exactly, entrepreneur. o, di ba? I’m done. Like, I think I'm doing an okay job. Marunong na, e, di ba?"
SUMMER PLANS
Since Issa recently hosted the launch of the "Summer shopping na sa Watsons" campaign last March 13, 2023, it was only apt to ask her about her summer plans with the family.
"Oh, definitely hit the beach," she said.
"My girls are beach babies, you know. Last summer we got to see dugong [sea cows], we chased after dugong.
"We went to Club Paradise in Coron, so we’re going back there.
"We’re going back maybe Boracay, Cebu, but we’ll definitely hit the beach, that’s a promise."
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