Actress Andi Eigenmann has had her fair share of heartache and struggles. Becoming a mom at the peak of one’s career is possibly one of the biggest challenges a young actress in local showbiz can face. But she has admirably taken it all in stride, inspiring many young single moms like her to focus on the good, facing motherhood head on with an unwavering sense of adventure and bucket loads of optimism.
In an interview with theAsianparent Philippines, Andi shared how she's learned that one's own happiness is important to raise a happy child.
"Your own happiness plays a crucial part in raising a child. As I grew older, I started wanting and needing less,” she shared before telling this writer how she is now choosing simplicity and contentment, which is not an easy feat in the fast-paced, often controversy-ridden world of showbiz.
"Your own happiness plays a crucial part in raising a child. As I grew older, I started wanting and needing less..."
A post shared by Andi Eigenmann (@andieigengirl) on
“I started opting for a simpler way of living. I started being more content with everything around me, and with what I have. And so, I became happier,” she went on. “I learned not to be so bothered by change, by differences and misunderstandings. I learned to focus more on the good that I have and be grateful for it.”
Radiating positivity, she shared the most rewarding thing about being a single mom, so far, is knowing that she’ll never be alone.
"Ellie and I, we’ve got each other!" she gushed.
Her daughter just turned five, but already Andi has seen her fun-loving personality take shape.
"Ellie's been taking such an interest in gymnastics, skateboarding and surfing, and what touches my heart about it is that even at 5 years old she really shows so much passion, hard work and dedication," Andi, who’s also a surfing enthusiast, shared proudly. "She doesn’t give up even when she fails at times, she practices by herself even when nobody tells her to, and is simply aware that in order for her to get to a goal, she must work for it."
"What touches my heart is that even at 5 years old (Ellie) really shows so much passion, hard work and dedication."
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The hands-on mom nurtures this passion further by letting Ellie tag along on her many adventures.
“I expose her to simpler ways of living, and enjoying the finer things in life away from all the ipads and wifi!” Andi said. “I also make sure to give her the opportunity to hone her skills in whatever she wants to be good at such as gymnastics or even baking!”
Her dream for Ellie? To grow up to be a woman of strength and bravery
More than cultivating hobbies and passions, Andi dreams of raising Ellie to be strong and brave.
"My dream for Ellie is for her to be a woman who recognizes her strength, for her to be brave enough to change the way the world perceives this strength," shared Andi, emphasizing her desire for Ellie to grow up "to be fearless enough to stand up for what she believes in. For her not to forget the importance of being kind to others. May it be to humans, animals, or our planet. Most especially for her to be a genuinely happy human being with a big heart!"
In raising Ellie well, Andi is driven by some sound parenting advice, the most memorable of which was when she learned how to guide Ellie, to truly be there for her, without dictating what she should do and “to make sure that she is raised to become a kind-hearted human.
Heeding good advice also helps her ignore judgment around her, in terms of making decisions for her child.
“It’s the belief that I know I am raising a great person," stated Andi with conviction. "It’s that we know each other more than anybody else and if I do not dictate her life for her and/or who she is supposed to become then I shouldn’t let others dictate my life for me."
As for young first time moms, Andi says it’s important to “never forget that the key to raising a happy child is to make sure that she is surrounded by positivity, and more importantly, a happy mom. And also, save the world! Raise a hippie!” she ends with a laugh.
READ: Young single mom finishes college against all odds, inspires many
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