
As parents, we have a big role to play in our kids' developmental stages as they look up to us and follow whatever it is that we do. We serve as an inspiration for them as they grow up and turn into sound adults. Even Start-Up PH star Yasmien Kurdi admits this as she is very well aware that her daughter Ayesha admires her.
In a podcast episode of Updated with Nelson Canlas, the Kapuso actress revealed that one of her biggest motivations to pursue and finish college, even at the age of 30, is the thought of being an inspiration to Ayesha to dream and keep on going. Last 2019, Yasmien graduated magna cum laude with the course AB Political Science at Arellano University.
“Gusto ko lang din na makita niya ako. Kaya nga 'di ba noong 30 years old ako tinapos ko talaga yung college ko para maka-graduate ako. Para makita ng anak ko na no matter how long it takes, as long as you're doing something, okay lang yan. Basta matapos mo siya, never quit,” Yasmien shares.
For Yasmien, it's important that Ayesha learns the value of finishing what she started. May she take the smooth and short path or the challenging and long one, what matters is she reaches the end.
The Kapuso actress said, “Huwag siyang magku-quit sa isang bagay. Basta i-go niya lang. Hindi naman porke hindi mo nakuha ngayong taon na ito ibig sabihin hindi mo na siya makukuha, hindi na mangyayari. Kaya tina-try ko talaga ang best ko na maging mabuting ehemplo para kay Ayesha.”
Apart from serving as an inspiration to her daughter, Yasmien also makes sure to be gentle with Ayesha as she is still a kid after all. When it comes to rules, the Start-Up PH star says it's important to set the right balance of strictness and freedom.
“Para sumunod sa'yo ang bata kailangan hindi ka rin gano'n ka-strict. Para kapag kailangan mo nang magsalita sa mga bagay na kailangan mo siyang sawayin, makikinig sya. Hindi yung parang lahat na lang bawal tapos hindi mo siya binibigyan ng kaunting freedom,”
“Ang mangyayari magtatago na siya sa iyo. Lahat ng ikuwento niya nagagalita ka, nagre-react ka. Ang ending hindi na magkukuwento ang bata. Paano siya mag oopen up sa'yo kung hindi mo sya maintindihan? Kailangan intindihin mo siya,” she further explains.
A kid will always remember how he/she is treated at home growing up which is why for Yasmien it's important to be gentle, to take the time to give your kids a proper explanation for every burst of emotion, and to verbalize and show your appreciation for them. As a parent, you should also pay attention to your kid's interests like Yasmien who made sure to secure tickets for her and Ayesha for BLACKPINK's upcoming concert in the Philippines!
CHECK OUT THEIR LOVELIEST PHOTOS TOGETHER IN THE GALLERY BELOW.