Katrina Halili, Kris Lawrence get real about co-parenting a child with special needs
Around GMA
Around GMA
ICC pre-trial chamber reads charges vs. Duterte in war on drugs Printing shop in Kalibo, Aklan catches fire Hiligaynon lullaby 'Ili-Ili, Tulog Anay' featured in American series 'The Pitt'Article Inside Page
Showbiz News
Former couple Katrina Halili and Kris Lawrence shared that maintaining balance is key in raising their daughter, Katie, who was diagnosed with mild autism spectrum disorder.
Katrina Halili and Kris Lawrence are opening up about co-parenting their daughter, Katie, who was diagnosed with mild autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
In a recent YouTube vlog, the former couple shared that raising a child with special needs requires teamwork, patience, and understanding. Despite no longer being together, Katrina and Kris said they make it a point to communicate and support each other when it comes to decisions about Katie's upbringing.
When asked who plays the disciplinarian between them, Katrina Halili quickly admitted that it's her, saying in jest: "Ako 'yung terror mom, charot."
Kris Lawrence, meanwhile, shared that he tends to take the gentler approach to parenting.
The R&B singer said, "Iba 'yung approach namin. Mine is explaining. I try to make her understand the situation. More on love. I try to calm her down, 'di ko s'ya pinapatulan. I just hug her and kiss her. Wait until her frequency goes down... gano'n ako."
Katrina then admitted that she needs to be strict at times especially in implementing routines and discipline at home, noting that Katie benefits from structure and consistency.
The Unica Hija actress explained, "Ako 'yung strict kasi kailangan ko kasing maging istrikto sa kanya dahil mahirap kapag 'di takot sa 'kin si Katie. So happy ako na nakapag-set ako ng boundaries sa kanya kasi mahirap 'yung wala siyang takot sa 'kin.
"Kaya n'ya akong i-manipulate. Dati nama-manipulate n'ya takaga ako. Ngayon, tingnan ko lang s'ya, alam na n'yang 'di na n'ya gagawin 'yung dapat 'di n'ya gawin."
Kris also said that maintaining balance is key when raising a child with special needs, highlighting that while Katrina lives with Katie and handles most of the daily routines, he admitted he tends to spoil their daughter.
He said, "I think 'yun 'yung parang naging role namin. Sa kanya nakatira si Katie, so she has to be the disciplinarian. And since I see her not as much as Kat, ayoko namang maging disciplinarian kapag magkasama kami."
Watch the vlog below.
Kris and Katrina have maintained a co‑parenting arrangement since their split in 2014, after being together for five years. Despite their breakup, both parents remain united in giving their daughter, Katie, the care, therapy, and support she needs.
Recently, Katrina shared that Katie has successfully completed her stem cell therapy and related treatments, viewing it as a hopeful step in her daughter's overall wellness.
Kris Lawrence, on the other hand, revealed that he's working on securing Katie's U.S. citizenship, ensuring long-term opportunities and stability for his child. Kris also has a younger son, Lyric, whom he shares with a different partner.
RELATED GALLERY: Fatherhood first: Celeb dads prioritizing presence ever after the split
