Solenn Heussaff Keeps Parenting Real—and We’re Here for It
Solenn Heussaff reveals how she balances discipline, emotional awareness, and modern parenting values
Solenn Heussaff may have once been dubbed an “It girl,” but these days, her most important role is one she clearly takes to heart: being a mom.
In a candid interview on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, Solenn opened up about life with her daughters, Tili and Maëlys, and how motherhood has reshaped her priorities, emotions, and values. Now in her 40s, Solenn embraces parenting with intention, honesty, and a refreshing sense of balance—one that many modern moms can relate to.
Here are five things that define Solenn Heussaff’s parenting style.
1. She proudly calls herself a “chilled” mom
When it comes to discipline, Solenn admits she plays the more relaxed role compared to her husband, Nico Bolzico—especially when food is involved.
“I am not very strict, pero si Nico mas [strict], depending on what we’re talking about. Nutrition, super strict siya,” she shared.
Solenn, on the other hand, believes in a softer approach. “Ako, I’m like, I’ll treat you with ice cream at the end of the day if you were good to me,” she said, laughing. She also acknowledged how chaotic motherhood can feel at times, especially with emotions running high.
Becoming a mom, she said, amplified everything. “If I love, I love more. If I was angry, I was even more angry… it’s like an explosion of feelings.”
2. She’s emotionally expressive with her daughters
When asked how similar she is to her own mom, Cynthia Heussaff, Solenn pointed out a key difference: emotional openness.
“I’m the type who talks a lot to my children. I always tell them I love them,” she said. In fact, her daughter Tili once jokingly gave her a limit—only five “I love yous” per day.
Solenn contrasted this with how she was raised. While her mom showed love differently and was tougher in her approach, appreciation wasn’t always verbal. Solenn recalled showing her artwork to her mom and receiving constructive criticism—only to later hear glowing praise from her mom’s friends.
For Solenn, that experience shaped her desire to express love and affirmation directly and consistently.
3. She’s not into gentle parenting—but she’s mindful of feelings
Despite the popularity of gentle parenting, Solenn admits it’s not a style she fully subscribes to.
“I really don’t believe in that,” she said honestly. However, she does acknowledge the value it brings—particularly in raising awareness around children’s emotions and mental health.
“I think with gentle parenting, we’re more aware of feelings… It’s generational. Back then, our parents didn’t see the whole picture.”
Instead, Solenn describes herself as more outspoken with her kids, believing in praising effort over results and encouraging resilience while still being emotionally aware.
4. Discipline is firm—but never physical
Solenn is clear about one thing: physical discipline has no place in her home.
She recalled accidentally hitting Tili’s arm out of nervousness and immediately feeling overwhelming guilt. “I felt so guilty… I don’t think I’ll be able to do that,” she shared.
Instead, she and Nico practice time-outs, sending their daughters to their room to calm down and reflect. While she tried a gentler approach before, Solenn found it didn’t work for their family.
“If they don’t respect you as a parent, they will step all over you,” she explained. “These are their formative years. You need to set discipline—what’s good and what’s bad.”
5. No gadgets—at least for now
In a time when screens are almost unavoidable, Solenn and Nico have chosen to keep their daughters gadget-free.
When asked when they might allow phones, Solenn said it would likely be during their teenage years. She explained that her stance comes from what she sees daily—especially at the restaurant Nico co-owns.
“Honestly, every time I see all the families having dinner together but not together, ‘yung dad nasa phone, ‘yung mom, nasa phone, ‘yung isang baby, nasa iPad, ‘yung mas maliit, nanonood ng parang TV. This is what we’ve become. It’s really sad to look at,” she laments.
She points out that many companies take advantage of people’s codependency with gadgets.
“We just want that short-term dopamine, and it’s really horrible that these multi-million dollar companies, that’s what they’re selling. They‘re trying to make us overstimulated, and if we don’t get stimulated, then we get bored, and when we get bored, we wanna do something else. And there’s no attention span in people nowadays.”
Solenn Heussaff’s parenting style isn’t about perfection or following trends. It’s about balance, boundaries, and being present—values that resonate deeply with today’s generation of parents trying to raise grounded, emotionally secure kids in an overstimulated world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Solenn and Nico balance each other out. Solenn takes a more laid-back, emotionally expressive approach, while Nico is stricter—especially when it comes to nutrition and routines. Together, they create consistency for their children.
Solenn avoids physical discipline altogether. Instead, she and Nico use time-outs and clear boundaries to teach accountability, believing that respect and structure are essential during a child’s formative years.
Solenn and Nico limit gadget use to encourage presence, connection, and attention during family time. Solenn has expressed concern over overstimulation and how screens affect focus, relationships, and emotional development.
More on Solenn and Nico’s Family
Nico Bolzico Enjoys The Life Of Being A Girl Dad
Nico and Solenn Have The Funniest Gender Reveal: The No Boyfriend Talk!
Every Good Husband Is Part Of The Bullied Husbands Club: Nico Bolzico Explains Why
