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Being a public figure comes with unique challenges, especially when raising children. Actress Marian Rivera opened up about how her daughter Zia has had to navigate the pressures of recognition while trying to enjoy normal childhood experiences.

"Sa totoo lang, mahirap. Minsan kasi 'pag nagfi-field trip 'yung mga anak ko, lalo na si Zia kasi malaki [na] siya, nakikilala siya ng mga tao. Nafe-feel embarassed daw siya kasi minsan 'yung mga classmate niya parang, 'Paano ka nakikilala nun?' Ganyan. So parang sabi niya, 'I don't know Mama how to feel kasi parang I feel so embarrassed na instead na magiging happy ako or enjoying my field trip, parang nagwo-worry ako about people,'" Marian recounted.

To help Zia cope, Marian and her husband Dingdong had an open conversation with their daughter about the realities of their lives and work. "So in-explain namin at sinit down namin siya ni Dong.' Zia, ito 'yung trabaho ni Mama at ni Dada. Ito kami, marangal 'yung trabaho namin. Pero may mga consequence kasi kami, ito 'yung mga consequence. Ngayon kung merong nararanasan mo 'tong mga ganito humihingi kami ng sorry sa'yo, alam naming hindi mo 'to gusto.'"

Marian emphasized that the explanation focused on instilling understanding of responsibility and gratitude. "Basta pinapaliwanag namin sa kanya na ito 'yung buhay namin eh, kung hindi ito 'yung trabaho namin, hindi natin alam kung saan tayo nakatira, hindi natin alam kung saang school ka, hindi natin alam kung mabibigay namin 'yung gusto mo, makakain natin 'yung mga gusto nating kainin. Pero maayos at marangal na trabaho kung ano ang trabaho ni Mama at ni Dada," she shared.

The honest discussion appears to have had a positive impact on Zia. "Nung pinaliwanag namin sa kanya 'yun, 'pag may nag, 'Zia, Zia' nag-i-smile na siya ngayon," Marian said. "Sobang matured ng anak ko, kaya very thankful din ako na mabait 'yung bata. Naiintindihan niya kami na parang hindi siya selfish na tao. Nakikinig siya sa amin, iniintindi niya."

Communication is a cornerstone of the family's approach to raising their children. Marian explained, "Ang rule namin sa bahay is may free will kang magsalita kung ano 'yung nararamamdan mo at ipapaliwanag natin, iintindihin natin, at gagawan natin ng solusyon 'yung mga problema na 'yan, kasi mas gusto naming honest sila. Na kahit magagalit kami, you need to be honest all the time. That's the number one rule namin sa bahay especially with Dong, ini-implement niya 'yan. Talagang honest ka."

Through these reflections, Marian highlighted the importance of honesty, open communication, and empathy in parenting, demonstrating how she balances the pressures of fame with nurturing a grounded, understanding child. Her story offers fans a glimpse into the values that guide her life both on and off screen.

Marian and Dingdong share two children, Zia and their younger son Sixto.

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