02 May,2015 07:33 AM IST | | A correspondent
Colombian pop star Shakira has not married her longtime partner Gerard Pique, but she is committed to raising their kids with the FC Barcelona star and wants her sons Milan and Sasha to be like their footballer father
Shakira
Colombian pop star Shakira has not married her longtime partner Gerard Pique, but she is committed to raising their kids with the FC Barcelona star. She wants her sons Milan and Sasha to be like their footballer father.
Shakira. Pics/Getty Images
"In Spain, parents speak to their children as equals, and I feel that the children respond in turn," the 38-year-old was quoted as saying by Parents Latina magazine.
FC Barcelona's Gerard Pique with his sons Sasha (left) and Milan
Affectionate parents
"Their dad (Gerard) and I both grew up in very close-knit families, and that has made us openly affectionate parents. Growing up with a working mom is a start. I also think their dad is a good example of a modern man to emulate," she said. Currently, Shakira and Pique stay in Spain where he is a part of FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
However, Shakira is of Colombian decent and is also a notable celebrity in the United States. Hence, the kids are being raised in a multicultural environment.
Language preferences
"I would have to say Spanish, since I'm the one he spends the most time with and it's my first language. I talk to him as much as possible - it serves as bonding time and helps his language comprehension skills," the singer revealed when asked which language two-year-old Milan is picking up faster.
The UNICEF goodwill ambassador also spoke about how she is the disciplinarian in the house.
"Gerard and I pretty much share all parenting responsibilities, although I'm definitely the disciplinarian. Becoming a mom forced me to re-prioritise and make room for the things that are most important, while recognising that there are things I can let go of and the world won't crumble around me."
Music, however, remains her first love. "I really enjoy working on Spanish albums, but I always joke that Milan was easier to give birth to than my last album. I apply the same amount of dedication to being a mom as I do to my music - I guess you could say music was my first baby," she added.
