PHOTO BYinstagram/reallysharoncuneta

Sharon Cuneta marked KC Concepcion‘s birthday with a heartfelt message filled with longing for her eldest child.

Currently in New York, KC celebrated her 37th birthday this April 7, 2022. Despite being miles apart, Sharon did not forget to extend her birthday wishes to her daughter.

Posting throwback photos of KC, the Megastar wrote, “So much has been said, so much yet to say. So much has happened, so much has changed. Still, know that there is a huge chunk of my heart that is missing, empty without you.”

The celebrity mom also expressed her full support for her daughter. “I will always be your mother, no matter what choices in life you have made and will make,” Sharon said.

KC shared an Instagram post on her account that she’s pursuing and “doing what I’ve always loved” in New York. “Because it’s April 7 in the Philippines!!! Being back on set for my birthday,” the actress wrote.

On Being In A Broken Family

In the same birthday message, Sharon also acknowledged what KC has been through having parents who are separated. KC is Sharon’s daughter with former partner Gabby Concepcion. 

“I will be here, constantly praying for you, wishing things were different, that you didn’t have to grow up too fast – that the pain of your family breaking up didn’t have to happen nor burden you.

“Again, none of it was your fault. Your Papa and I have always and will always love you though he and I are apart.”

She ended her message in a positive light, looking forward to the day when they would no longer be separated by distance.

“And your Daddy and siblings – and your Mama – shall always be your real home. I love you, Kristina. God bless you and guide you through your life, my beautiful big girl.”

Sharon adds, “One day, we will all be together, and it will all be wonderful again. Have a beautiful birthday!”

It’s no secret to the public that Sharon and KC have been through a rough patch before. But in 2020, Sharon has sealed her unconditional love for her daughter. Despite their misunderstandings, Sharon tells KC, “Walang Ina na hindi mahal ang kanyang mga anak ng pantay-pantay.”

Putting into words how much she cherishes her children, Sharon adds, “Kahit talikuran kayong lahat ng mundo, si Mama ang matitira. Siempre sasabihan ko pa rin kayo kung may mali kayong ginagawa, pero never ko kayong titigilang mahalin, bumaligtad man ang mundo, isa lang ang Mama ninyo. I love you very much, Kristina.” (Read related story here)

How To Help Children Cope From Parents’ Separation

No one wishes for their marriage and family to fall apart. But when it happens, apart from the husband and wife, the children also need help to process and healthily move on from the separation.

How a child will react to their parents’ separation can vary depending on their age, development, and most importantly, on how their parents are handling the situation. It goes without saying that it would be best to shield the child from any arguments or conflicts between the parents.

Another course of action that separated parents should take to help their child cope with the significant change is to maintain open and honest communication about the separation.

KidsHealth says talking about parting ways with your partner will not end in one sitting but should be “an ongoing process.” “As they get older and become more mature, kids might have questions or concerns that they hadn’t thought of earlier. Even if it seems like you’ve gone over the same topics before, keep the dialogue open,” KidsHealth explained.

In a 2013 Smart Parenting article, Clinical psychologist Zachele Marie Briones, M.D. suggests ways parents can help their children navigate the separation. She recommends practicing the three A’s:

“

ssure your child that, despite the separation, both parents still love him.”

“

djust to the routine that your child is familiar with, to cushion the sense of loss.”

“

gree with your ex-partner on the best-shared parenting technique.”

Briones also tells parents to always speak to their children from a place of understanding, especially when they notice changes in their children’s behavior after the separation.