Camille Prats points out effects of technology, social media in raising kids
Celebrity mom Camille Prats admits exposure of kids to a lot of things online makes parenting more challenging nowadays.
"Sa cellphone pa lang, kung ano-ano na 'yung makukuha nila na iba't bang beliefs, iba-ibang values, na parang sa palagay naman nila, e, wala namang mali. So parang para sa'kin, 'yun 'yung pinakamalaking challenge,” Camille said in an interview with Aubrey Carampel during the "Modern Parenting Parent Talk" event on August 20.
The Kapuso actress then shared an instance when her eldest son, Nathan, got mad at their school for suspending two of his schoolmates for having a relationship together.
According to Camille, the school discourages the students from starting one, something that Nathan, according to her, felt is not right.
When they talked about this, the Kapuso actress mentioned that she usually let her son speak and let his emotions out while she was processing and collecting her thoughts about the subject.
She recalled explaining to Nathan, “When I get the chance, I explain na, 'Anak, kaya bawal, kasi it's not the right place to start a relationship. It's a school. A school is for education, it's for building friends, it's a community, and 'yung edad na 'yan, hindi talaga ine-encourage.”
Camille added that they would have conversations like this, where they can share their thoughts, rather than just saying “bawal 'to” to them.
She also stressed the importance of communication between Camille and her husband, VJ Yambao, and their kids.
“Gusto ko, 'pag nagkaproblema sila, ako 'yung una nilang maiisip na tawagan, hindi 'yung ako 'yung una nilang iisipin takbuhan na away from because they know I'm gonna be upset,” she said.
TAKE A LOOK AT THE BEAUTIFUL, MODERN FAMILY OF CAMILLE AND VJ IN THIS GALLERY:
In a separate interview with GMANetwork.com, Camille further explained how she would make their kids trust them enough to communicate, “I think if they know na ikaw 'yung tipong magulang na puwede nilang maka-usap about anything.”
She also stressed the importance of putting an effort to be with her kids like going to their rooms, and doing activities together with them whenever they're at home.
“I think it starts with you, being intentional to go to them," she said, "Kasi, feeling ko parang minsan, hinahayaan na lang natin, 'Ugh, buong araw na kwarto 'yung anak ko, nakikita ko lang 'yan 'pag lunch 'tsaka dinner."
She continued, “But then I realized, as parents, it's our responsibility to reach out to them. Katok, tapos punta ka sa room nila. Spend an hour, probably 30 minutes talking to them about how their day went and stuff like that.
“Ang laking bagay na nun sa relationship building at 'yun 'yung isa sa mga bagay na pinrioritize ko tapos nakita ko rin na maganda 'yung naging balik niya as I habitually do that with them."
