Mother knows best.
But for actress Carmina Villaroel, it doesn't mean she has to keep tight control over her children's lives.
In a recent interview for "Abot Kamay Na Pangarap," her newest series, the Kapuso star shared how she let her 21-year-old twins with husband Zoren Legaspi, Cassy and Mavy, do their own thing.
"Ang hirap kasing ipilit kung ano yung gusto mo para sa anak mo. So ako lagi ko namang sinasabi na 'Kung ano man ang gusto niyong marating sa buhay, susuportahan ko kayo, wag lang kalimutan ang pag-aaral,'" she related.
Now that the two are in college and enjoying a much more flexible schedule, Carmina is letting them do more showbiz work.
If ever, she and Zoren are always there to "guide" and "support" them.
She's thankful that Cassy and Mavy are quite open and very appreciative of their suggestions.
"They always consult us," was how she put it.
Carmina is grateful that both "aren't selfish."
"Iniisip nila pakiramdam namin ni Zoren in every aspect," Carmina said, pointing out the deep respect and love they have for each other.
In terms of their children now being romantically linked to fellow celebrities (Mavy to Kyline Alcantara and Cassy with Darren Espanto), Carmina admitted there is a bit of concern.
Apparently, she isn't ready for it. Not yet, anyway.
"I think I can never be ready. But pinagdaanan ko rin kasi yan," she said.
"Selosa akong nanay pero hindi naman ako aabot sa point na pipigilan ko yung kaligayahan ng mga anak ko," she made clear.
"Very vocal lang ako pag nagseselos ako. Siyempre gusto ko ako lang. Pero wala akong gagawin. I will not be a hindrance to their happiness. Nakasuporta lang ako sa kanila kaya yun na lang ginagawa ko, umiiyak na lang ako."
But does she approve of Kyline?
"Kahit na sino pa siya basta ang akin respetuhin kami at yung anak ko; at mahalin - kahit sino. Walang: 'Ito gusto ko, ito ayaw ko.' Basta kung sino ang pinipili ng anak ko rerespetuhin ko yun."
Carmina also talked about Cassy's beach getaway in Batangas with Darren, photos of which have since been circulating on social media.
"May kasama naman sila. Kasi si Darren kaibigan nung kambal, e, hindi lang si Cassy," she said. "They’re very close to each other. Pati kay Mavy, parang isang grupo lang sila."
She only has praises for Darren.
"Ang maganda kay Darren, pumupunta sa bahay, kaya kilala namin ni Zoren. Mabait na bata si Darren. Very respectful.”
So what is the real score between Cassy and Darren?
Carmina insisted the two are just friends.
"Marami ang hindi naniniwala, pero yun talaga yung totoo. Ayokong magsinungaling, di ba? Basta yung alam ko lang, they’re very, very close. They’re like best of friends," she explained.
"May mga events, they always go out together, they hang out together, and doon masaya na ako. Kasi alam mong safe sila sa isa’t isa. Kasi magkabarkada sila, e. So, kung hihigit pa dun, ayoko muna, huwag nating pangunahan. Basta ang sa ngayon, maligaya sila sa ganung set-up."
"At saka si Cassy kasi, palaging sinasabi niya sa akin na wala pa sa isip niya yung love life-love life. Kasi talagang gusto niya mag-concentrate sa pag-aaral niya at saka dito sa kanyang career."
Carmina reiterated that at the end of the day she just wants her kids to explore the many possibilities given to youth.
"Like I said kasi pinagdaanan ko yan. So gusto ko ma-enjoy nila yung kanilang kabataan. Pero kumbaga it's all clean fun. I always tell my kids that I trust them, na sana wag lang talaga nilang sirain kasi pinagkakatiwalaan ko sila and yun yung importante. Gusto ko maging masaya silang mga bata."
"Abot Kamay Na Pangarap," which also stars Jillian Ward and Richard Yap, will start airing Sept. 5.