Kris Aquino on being a single mom: 'I finally learned to celebrate all that's here and not mourn what's not'

MANILA, Philippines - Kris Aquino may be renowned as the queen of all media, but at home, she is a single parent to two sons, 15-year-old Josh and three-year-old James, who she fondly calls Bimbi. This June, she shares with Smart Parenting the challenges and triumphs that come with being a single mom.

Her two boys are her pride and joy. Of her son Josh, she says, “He has learning and speech difficulties, but has developed good life skills. I pray that Josh would develop emotionally and intellectually enough in the coming years so he could have a life partner, [someone] who would love, accept, and care for him, most especially when I’m no longer around to take care of him.”

As for Bimbi, the three-year-old boy is growing fast and already has his fair share of limelight. “Bimbi can enter show business as soon as he finishes high school, but he must finish college — just like I did because this was my mom’s condition,” she tells Smart Parenting.

Despite the 12-year age gap, the two boys are very close. “Bimbi loves his brother and tells everyone he has a ‘super giant kuya,’” Kris says, sharing that she also enjoys taking the two boys on regular vacations. “My sons love the water and amusement parks, so all our trips revolve around these types of vacation.”

Kris may have a very hectic schedule, but she does not let this get in the way of being there for her sons. “I work between five and six days a week, but I’m proud to say I’ve never missed a parent-teacher consultation,” she says, “I’m [also] very fortunate to have a very close-knit family and a very supportive group of dear friends who make time for my children when work prevents me from being with them.”

Read more about Kris and her parenting style in the June issue of Smart Parenting, available in bookstores, newsstands, and supermarkets nationwide for P100. For more of Smart Parenting online, visit www.smartparenting.com.ph and become a fan on Facebook via Facebook.com/smartparenting.ph.