In a heartfelt moment on the airwaves, acclaimed artist Mona Zaki opened up about a transformative realization she had regarding her parenting style. With genuine remorse in her voice, she publicly apologized to her eldest daughter, Li Li Ahmed Helmy, for her past approach to parenting.
Mona Zaki candidly admitted that during her daughter’s early years, she had been quite strict and quick to impose punishments for any missteps. She recalled being, in her own words, “silly with her.” It was only as her daughter grew older that Mona came to understand the profound importance of teaching children about the consequences of their actions, rather than just relying on punishment.
During an interview on the popular program “Kalam Nawaem,” Mona Zaki expressed her heartfelt apology: “I apologize to my daughter because I was silly with her and punished her when she was young, treating right as right and wrong as wrong. But as I matured, I realized that it’s essential to understand the consequences of your actions and their gravity, rather than resorting to punishment without comprehension.”
Mona Zaki also shed light on the pressures that come with professional success in the entertainment industry, and how it affected her relationship with her husband, Ahmed Helmy. She described the entertainment field as a challenging one, where the highs and lows can be emotionally taxing. The triumphs are sweet, but the setbacks can be brutal. According to Mona, the key to navigating this rollercoaster ride is maintaining one’s sanity and balance on solid ground. She emphasized the importance of family as an anchor during difficult times, stressing that no matter how tempting success might be, one should guard against arrogance.
Furthermore, Mona Zaki touched on the evolution of her husband’s role as a father. She revealed that there was initially a somewhat unusual notion that Ahmed shouldn’t spend as much time with their children. However, she came to understand that their relationship with their father is crucial, and by nurturing that connection, they don’t lose a parent but gain an invaluable bond.
Mona Zaki’s candid reflections not only reveal her growth as a parent but also offer valuable insights into the complexities of balancing a successful career in the demanding world of entertainment with the responsibilities of family life.