Betty Banafe opens up on carrying both parental roles amid ex-husband woes

SHAH ALAM – Actress and mother Betty Banafe says she has taken on both parental roles, striving to stay strong for her children while safeguarding her mental health amid ongoing issues involving her ex-husband.

The 46-year-old said she remains focused on maintaining emotional stability as the sole caregiver, while ensuring her children feel supported and secure.

“I need to be calm. I need wisdom and inner peace in order to carry out my duties as both a mother and a father, since the father is no longer present.

“So I have to carry both responsibilities at the same time. And I am very concerned about my mental health,” she told Sinar Daily.

Amid her current situation, Betty said she continues to lean on her support network for emotional support.

“I always try to stay positive. And whenever I feel down, I will seek help from my friends who can advise me,” she said.

She also acknowledged the role of her children, particularly her daughter Julia, who she said voluntarily stepped in during a difficult period.

“I do not want to push my children to do anything for me. But if my children willingly choose to do it, then why not?” she said.

Betty also cautioned that prolonged emotional stress may affect children’s mental development if not properly managed.

“When you handle everything by yourself, it can lead to depression. And that depression, without you even realising it, can be unintentionally transferred to your children.

“At that stage, your children are still in a period where their mental development is actively forming,” she said.

She added that parents must be mindful of their emotional state as it can influence their children’s behaviour and well-being.

“We don’t want our children to experience childhood trauma,” she said.

Learning from her own experience, Betty urged parents facing similar circumstances not to isolate themselves and to seek professional help where necessary.

“Get support from the people around you and don’t go through it alone. But also, be careful who you share your problems with.

“Talk to professionals – therapists or religious teachers who can provide proper guidance and encouragement,” she said.

On April 9, Betty had uploaded a video which went viral, showing her ex-husband’s parents arriving at her residence to pick up her children, aged 13 and 10, while they reportedly refused to leave.

The incident sparked public concern over the children’s welfare and the prolonged nature of the family dispute.