Raising children can be a completely different experience for everyone.

But for former Mediacorp actress Florence Tan, it seems her twin daughters have been nothing but a joy.

On Mid-Autumn Festival (Sep 25), the 49-year-old shared on Instagram that her precious daughters — Viola and Novea (or Vio and Vea, as she calls them) — were born just before the festival 18 years ago. The ex-Mediacorp actress married Taiwanese businessman Jack Liu in 2006 and welcomed their girls in 2008. She is currently based in Hong Kong.

“Over the years, we haven’t just been mother and daughters. We’ve supported one another, inspired each other and grown together every step of the way,” wrote Florence.

Florence shared that watching her daughters grow up allowed her to relive her own childhood in some ways: going to Disneyland, running across the grass in the afternoons, eating well and getting to bed early.

She also said the girls had been independent from a young age, and were able to dress and feed themselves.

“Vio was sleeping through the night by one month old, and Vea followed at four months. You both gave up daytime diapers at one and a half, and at one year and nine months, you even asked to stop wearing diapers at night,” she recalled.

The girls were also easy travellers, never fussing on flights, but instead keeping themselves busy watching cartoons and playing with toys.

“I was so proud that I even thought about writing a parenting book!” she joked.

According to Florence, her daughters have inspired her in many ways too.

“It was because of you that your kindergarten encouraged me to pursue a Montessori assistant diploma. Watching you play the piano inspired me to obtain the UK Royal Schools of Music Grade 5 piano certificate,” she shared.

“Seeing you dance ballet sparked my interest in Latin dance, and I went on to earn several Latin dance instructor certifications.”

As the girls begin their first year of university, Florence has also successfully graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from the US-based distance-learning institution University of the People.

“I often say that because of how easygoing and independent you are, I’ve been able to pursue acting, work, studies, travel and my own interests. I’m grateful for everything.”

Now that her daughters have grown into thoughtful young women, Florence and her husband feel very reassured about the road ahead.

“I hope you will always hold on to the things you love, live bravely and freely, and follow your hearts as you explore the world,” she wrote.

“Don’t be afraid of failure, because life is full of it. If Route A doesn’t work, take Route B.”

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Photos: Florence Tan/Instagram