Fact-Checked by Ronna Capili Bonifacio
Lea Salonga has a loving and reassuring message to her and her husband Robert Chien's only child Nicole, nicknamed Nic, whose birthdate is May 16, 2006.
"This amazing human is 17 today and is embarking/entrenched in adventures I never dreamed of," the world-renowned Pinay singer-actress wrote in the caption of her Instagram post showing a solo snap of Nic bursting with exuberance.
"But beyond that, this child of mine has remained kind, curious, empathetic, sensitive. Nic is living their best life and I couldn’t be more proud," said Lea, using the non-gendered pronoun that her child apparently refers to. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY LOVE!!!"
They/them/their pronouns are often considered gender-neutral or gender-inclusive pronouns, according to the Colorado State University's A Family Guide's to Gender and Pronouns. You can use those pronouns in reference to your child's identity.
Two days earlier, Lea share a photo of her with Nic for her Mother's Day: "The joy on my face is made possible by the human I’m gazing at. Thanks to them, I can celebrate along with every mother and mother-figure on the planet."
She added, "I also celebrate my indefatigable mother, to whom I give thanks and tribute with every day I walk this earth. Happy Mother’s Day!"
How to raise happy and successful kids
Just like Lea, you can help your kids live their best lives. Here are a few tips:
Be present
Making your child happy starts with your constant presence, according to Dr. Tiffany Otto Knipe, a pediatrician, mom, and founder of Washington Market Pediatrics in New York, USA.
She explains in an article for Mother.ly, “We must disconnect in order to connect with our children. This can be quite challenging, but I aim to find time each day to turn my phone off, put it in another room or just vow not to check it for some period of time. Then, I try to forget about it and be present with my children.”
Enjoy the small moments
Kids grow up so fast, so cherish your time together, moms and dads. “Especially the small ones. Even the embarrassing ones,” writes Dr. Knipe. “Those moments are beautiful and unique.”
Instill good habits
“From good sleep and healthy eating, to manners and values: Lay the foundations as soon as possible and build on them,” says Dr. Knipe.
Be flexible and learn to compromise
While some parenting rules DO need to be black and white, such as don’t touch the stove and don’t open the door for strangers, Dr. Knipe points out that many things don’t need to be. She explains, “Figure out what matters to your family. Define the lines. Let the grays in. Choose your battles.”
Make mistakes
“It’s the only way to learn anything, even parenting,” says Dr. Knipe. It’s also the perfect time to show your kids that it’s okay to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them.
Read on the essential abilities a child needs to guild good character here.
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