In this special episode of Have A Sip, the spotlight doesn’t lie on any business leaders or celebrities, but two kids — Linh and Sol. What follows is a talk between host Thùy Minh and singer Đoan Trang - two modern moms who are still learning, re-learning to understand their children.
Don’t underestimate Linh and Sol as they are still kids. Since their conservation opens a world of honest, innocent but surprisingly profound reflections. Just like their peers, they are in the stage of diving into “the sea of life”, exploring their own identity under the guidance of their families.
This episode is not just a gift for children on International Children’s Day but also a gentle reminder for parents, especially those feeling uncertain about their role in parent-child relationships. The message here is: if every child is a sun, then that sun still needs a sky.
A Meal, A Trip, A Family: “Basic” Cost To Pay For Teenage Happiness
When asked about what teens have in common, Đoan Trang sees it clearly: every teen carries a bright and unique energy. The sun.
“What made you smile today?” is a question that many adults might take time to think of. A new achievement, a new job, or having a breath after a hectic day? For teens like Linh and Sol, they don’t. Everything for them is often simpler. A tickle from dad or a fun game with friends are enough to make them smile.
Our Linh Louis is a “sun” as he shines through his quick wit and sense of humor. He’s an observant, thoughtful boy who seems to cherish his personal space. Happiness to him means a delicious meal, family trips to new places, running freely in nature and participating in outdoor activities.
Sol, on the other hand, is deeply family-oriented. She loves sunrises as they remind her of beach vacations with her parents and the radiant beauty of the early morning light. Sol describes herself as an optimist who sees trust as key to lasting friendship and is always ready to stand up for those she loves.
Sol’s name also holds a special meaning. Beyond being a musical note, “Sol” also means “sun” in Swedish. It is a symbol of warmth and of a girl who brings positive energy to those around her. Đoan Trang hopes the name will serve as a reminder to her daughter of the inner strength: even if storms come, the sun will rise again.
When Sun Faces Storms
The teenage years aren’t just laughter and light. It’s a time full of silent shifts - from physical changes, emotional crises to new senses of the world. At that age, teens often lack the tools to process it all. What feels trivial to adults can feel like the end of the world to a sensitive teenager.
They’re no longer children needing constant protection. They’re becoming self-aware, measuring themselves against others. A low grade, a broken friendship, or feeling excluded can spiral into overwhelming stress if not addressed immediately.
Đoan Trang says, this is when parents must show up to teach that storms pass, and the sun always returns. Growth means facing tough days and keeping moving forward anyway. Teens must believe that tomorrow, they can rise stronger and become a better version of themselves.
A lesson about “crushes” that Sol learned at school used to catch her parents off guard. Because it wasn't in any textbook they’d ever known. But Đoan Trang felt lucky, as Sol chose honesty over silence, choosing to share instead of keeping it herself.
Linh Louis is quietly stepping into adolescence, speaking less, pulling away, asking for more space. Thùy Minh believes that if parents miss these subtle signs and don’t reach out, they risk losing the chance to truly understand their children.
Growing up between two cultures, Sol and Linh move fluidly between East and West. No matter the lens they see the world through, both Thùy Minh and Đoan Trang make space for their voices. Every age deserves to be heard. Teenagers do so.
And Needs A Sky to Hold
That’s why every teen needs a steady anchor to take risks, make mistakes, and step beyond their comfort zone to search for their best self. Without a doubt, that anchor is family.
Đoan Trang approaches her child’s changes with observation. She listens like a friend, not controlling like a commander. She knows that a house doesn’t withstand storms without a strong foundation. Parents must walk beside their kids from the start, not scramble when the crisis hits. Real connection isn’t patched up with last-minute lessons. It’s built slowly, from the smallest things.
Đoan Trang believes home should be where a child feels safe to be honest without fear of judgment. Though she and Sol’s father are often away on business trips, they make every effort to be present: a dining meal, a TV night, or weekend tennis matches. She says those moments are what keep Sol from feeling lost or left behind in their family.
Home is also where a teen’s confidence first takes root. When they know their feelings are heard and their mistakes are part of growing up, that’s when they get the signal to explore the world.
Both Thùy Minh and Đoan Trang agree: as much as parents wish to, they can’t walk beside their children forever. One day, the kids will fly toward their own skies, eager to prove they’re strong and independent. They’ll learn things their parents never did and in worlds their parents never knew.
What parents can, should, and must do is to prepare their child with the essentials: confidence, self-worth, and the unshakable belief that no matter how far they go, home will always be there. Family isn’t a cage. It’s the foundation that helps them fly.
Mom — The Greatest “Sky” In A Child’s Life
When it comes to parenting, both Thùy Minh and Đoan Trang admit that they've never worn so many hats like this in their lives: mother, friend, teacher and sometimes even silent supporters . But in every role, one thing stays the same. They want to be there, walking beside their child through every stage of growing up.
There are moments when a mother wavers between guiding her child or giving them the freedom to choose. But what matters most is understanding, and keeping the conversation open. Phrases like “I gave birth to you” or “I know better” no longer work. Today’s teens are different. They are more independent, more sensitive, and deeply aware of their right to choose and live life on their own terms.
Modesty is something both Thùy Minh and Đoan Trang hold above all else. Because only through modesty can a child learn gratitude - the kind that helps them see everything they have, from a good education to the freedom to choose and a love-filled childhood, as the result of effort, sacrifice, and care from their parents and those around them.
All those sacrifices may go unseen, unnoticed until the day they become parents themselves that they can understand.
From this conversation, we realize that happiness often lies in the smallest things. Parents just want to see their child love themselves, share openly, live fully, and discover their own place in this vast world. Every change, every emotion is a small part of their growing-up journey. They will always have a loving family who welcome them after every stumble and every triumph.