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Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera shared a candid look into how she and husband Dingdong Dantes nurture their children's interests, emphasizing openness and trust during their interview on the “Janno & Bing” YouTube channel and podcast. As their kids grow older, Marian said their parenting approach has remained grounded in listening first and allowing Zia and Sixto to discover what excites them at their own pace.

Speaking about their 10-year-old daughter Zia, Dingdong and Marian have been pleasantly surprised by how their firstborn continues to explore new activities.

“Marami siyang activities na gusto niya ngayon pero ang isa sa pinaka talagang nasusurpresa kami ay 'yung kanyang pagkanta,” the actress shared, laughing as she and Dingdong teased each other about where Zia's singing talent might have come from. Marian stressed that they never pressure their children into specific paths. Dingdong continued. “We are very supportive kung ano man yung gugustuhin niya,”

Marian added, “Nakaka-proud talaga 'yang bata na 'yan. Minsan siya 'yung magsasabi sa akin na, 'Mama, I want to learn. I want to do this. I want to try this.'" From horseback riding to swimming, the Tadhana host relays everything to Dingdong so they can talk it through together, adding that Zia can be quite adventurous.

"Kapag may gusto siya, gusto niyang subukan. Kahit na minsan parang feeling niya, 'Ay, kaya ko ba ito? Pero gusto ko i-try Mama eh.' So kapag na-ta-try niya at na-cha-challenge siya, lalo niyang ginagawa. Sabi nga ni Dong, 'Lahat ng gustuhin mo susuportahan ka namin.' Kapag tumanda naman 'yan sasalain niya na [kung ano 'yung gusto niya.] So ngayon, support lang kami kung ano ang gusto niya."

Meanwhile, Dingdong shared that their six-year-old son Sixto is also beginning to show his own personality and interests. “Si Sixto naman, ano siya, football mahilig siya. He's also into crafts, mahilig siya sa arts” he said, noting Sixo's vivid imagination and growing love for the arts.

"Grabe 'yung imagination ng bata na 'yun," Marian added.

Still, Marian believes Sixto has plenty of time to explore before settling into anything specific, especially compared to Zia, who is already becoming more sure of what she enjoys.

"Marami pa siyang kailangan subukan para umabot siya kay Zia, si Zia, medyo sure na siya kung ano ang gusto niya. Bata pa naman," he said.

Beyond talents and hobbies, Marian highlighted the value of raising emotionally open children. “Siguro nakikita niya na transparent kami. Transparent din siya,” she said, explaining how Zia openly shares stories about school, crushes, and everyday experiences. While there are moments when she has to step in as a parent, Marian sees honesty as a gift. “At least naging honest,” she reflected, adding that she wants her children to always feel they have someone they can talk to.

For Dingdong and Marian, supporting their kids isn't just about nurturing their skills, it's also about building trust, confidence, and a safe space where they can truly be themselves.

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