As Iza Calzado enjoys watching her daughter Deia grow up, she hopes her daughter will become more independent than she is and be a changemaker, rather than a survivor.
Calzado, who is the cover girl of Smart Parenting with Deia and her husband Ben Wintle, smiled as she shared what she hopes to see in her daughter in the future at a Mother’s Day fair in Quezon City.
‘I hope she grows up to be kind, loving, and independent. Sana (I hope) she’s more independent than me. I hope she is compassionate. I hope that she has courage. And she’s not just a survivor, she’s a changemaker,’ she told Inquirer Entertainment.
‘There’s nothing wrong with merely surviving; that’s already a win in itself – but of course, it’s a wish for everyone. Of course, as a mother. I want for her to thrive,’ she added.
The actress also said she is aware that it adds more pressure to Deia’s shoulders, but she hopes that she’s living by example.
‘I want her to create some impact and change in this world. I know that’s a lot to put on one’s shoulders, but I hope that I am leading by example, and I want her to know that it’s going to be tough,’ she added.
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When asked how it feels to see Deia coming into her own, Calzado said the experience is ‘more fun and more challenging’ as her daughter becomes more aware of the world around her.
‘You have to become more mindful of the things you say and do,’ the actress said of her day-to-day.
Calzado also shared that she is rediscovering life in her own way as Deia learns more about herself and the world around her.
‘She’s discovering herself. You’re also discovering life through my relationship with her, so it’s a very interesting time. We’re both in that discovery and learning phase. I mean, every day is a discovery phase, but now, more than ever, it requires more active participation from her,’ she said.
Why Iza still believes having kids still matters
As the discussion shifted to the challenges of having children in this day and age, Calzado responded with an understanding expression, even adding, ‘Yes, ang hirap ng buhay ngayon (Life is harder now),’ but she maintained that there is still goodness in being a mother.
‘I was 39, and I didn’t want to have kids. But God gave me a kid. But I realized that it’s not like my problems went away; I am still very, very challenged, and I struggle a lot. But it gives you purpose,’ she said. ‘But [Deia] is not my only purpose. Hindi lang siya dapat ang buhay ko (She shouldn’t be the only focus of my life).’
Still, the ‘Moments of Love’ star encourages having a child, saying it still matters, but it is about taking a leap of faith, especially when it is one’s destiny. ‘I think you should take a chance and take a leap of faith.’
‘In my opinion, life is not meant to be all about you. You don’t really have to be a parent to not just be about you,’ she continued. ‘But, one of the best ways for you to get out of your self-centeredness is to have someone else to hold you accountable, have someone to live for, to fight for, and to be inspired and challenged by.’
With Deia growing and changing in front of Calzado’s eyes, she is enjoying the moment of having her daughter close by her side.