Camille Prats’ advice to child stars

Camille Prats and son Nathan

Camille Prats has such a baby face that it’s almost hard to believe that she’s already expecting her second child. Everything is coming up roses for the Kapuso star. Early this year, she got hitched to her childhood friend, VJ Yambao (after being a widow for some time).

Now, she and her son, Nathan, have been tapped as brand ambassadors of RiteMed for kids. The former “Princess Sarah” star is now living and loving happily ever after.

Here’s my chat with Camille:

What’s your fondest memory of being a child star? I remember how people loved “Sarah, Ang Munting Prinsesa.” It has left a huge mark in my life. Until now, people call me Princess Sarah, and I still get butterflies in my stomach.

What’s your advice to child stars? Keep your head low and your feet on the ground. Be thankful for the people who have helped you along the way. It isn’t about how popular you become; it’s about how long you can stay in the race. Talent goes a long way, but it’s your attitude that’ll make you last.

Would you allow Nathan to join show biz someday? He was a part of “Goin’ Bulilit” for a time. He can enter show biz again when he’s older and more mature.

Did you and your brother John have an unspoken sibling rivalry? Never. Maybe it was because we have different genders—and we didn’t have a reason to compete with each other. Now that we’re parents, we talk about our kids, or babysitting the other’s kid during date nights with our spouses. Our talks have evolved from movies, clothes, shoes and gadgets, to babysitting, carpools and quality time with our families.

What lessons from your previous marriage are you applying to your second one? Marriage is never easy. It needs constant care and nurturing. I learned to always listen to my spouse.

How do you spoil and discipline Nathan? I spoil him with hugs, kisses and bonding activities, not with material things. I let his grandparent, titos and titas do that for him. When it comes to discipline, I give warnings. But when I get upset about something, I’m stern with him.

My disciplinary style involves a lot of talking and explaining why I need to correct him. I also give examples to make sure he understands what I’m saying. I believe that discipline should be done with love. You have to have a good relationship with your kid in order for him to follow you—he should follow you because he loves you, not because he’s scared of you.

What makes your marriage work? We pray together. When a marriage is God-centered, you become more selfless than selfish. Think of your spouse before yourself.

Are you a wife or a mother first? I’ve always been a mother first, especially after six years of being a single mom. My son is my top priority in life. But, now that I’m married, I also want to be the wife my husband needs. He really took on a big role in Nathan’s life, which has turned me into a better wife.

How do you balance being a mom, a wife and actress? My family always comes first. I’m blessed to have a supportive husband who appreciates my work and encourages me to do what I’ve always loved to do. We make sure we spend quality time together.