Just like most moms, LJ Reyes believes that it is best to discipline her son Ethan Akio while he's young.
Her son with Paulo Avelino is now six years old.
At the media launch of MAPP, the Kapuso actress describes her parenting style this way: "Hindi naman ako super strict, but I know when to discipline him."
As much as possible, she doesn't want to raise her voice or get mad.
"May level iyan," she tells PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal).
"May usap, may galit, pero kapag kailangan na to spank with a rod, yun, meron din yun."
The latter however is her last method.
"Pero masakit puso ko dun, dumudugo kapag kailangan ng gano'ng level.
"Kasi siyempre hindi naman puwedeng hindi i-discipline kasi kundi, titigas ulo niya, paglaki mas mahihirapan."
What usually angers her?
"As a kid, gusto nila mag-explore, meron silang sariling isip, 'Saan galing iyang thought mo na iyan, iyang idea mo na iyan?'"
But those moments, she says, reveal so much about a kid's personality.
LJ explains, "Dun mo makikita yung personality ng mga bata. Makikita mo, iba-iba talaga sila no matter how similar it may seem."
Aside from teaching him the importance of discipline, she hopes that Aki will learn how to be independent.
"Yung decision-making niya kumbaga, very disciplined, very responsible."
MOST REWARDING MOMENT AS A MOM. Since she became a mom, the way she defines happiness changed.
Aki's progress and achievements in school give her a natural high.
"Kapag nakikita mo na he's trying very hard to get good grades, nakikita mo na nagiging responsible siya, na nakikita mo yung mga tinuturo mo sa kanya na-a-absorb na niya."
Each time she hears people put in a good word for her son, "like, yung anak mo, matalino ganyan," that's a bonus to the Kapuso actress.
And the best part of motherhood?
LJ says, "Kapag isang hug lang, isang kiss lang, grabe, sobrang rewarding na yun."