Chinese A-list actress Yang Mi (楊冪) has long remained quiet about her daughter, affectionately nicknamed "Little Glutinous Rice" (小糯米/Xiao Nuomi). Her silence has led some to label her as a distant mother, further fueled by comments from her former father-in-law Lau Dan (劉丹), who subtly criticized her parenting in past interviews.
However, Yang Mi recently broke her silence in a candid interview, offering rare insight into her relationship with Xiao Nuomi. While her daughter resides in Hong Kong with father Hawick Lau (劉愷威), Yang Mi shared that she visits whenever her schedule allows—despite spending less time with her than Hawick does, and even missing important family occasions.
Lau Dan once claimed that Yang Mi failed to reach out during major holidays and that Xiao Nuomi does not mention her mother on occasions like Mother’s Day. While he emphasized that the family provides a loving and happy environment for Xiao Nuomi, many netizens interpreted his remarks as subtle criticism of Yang Mi’s parenting style.
A Realistic View of Motherhood
Responding to such criticisms, Yang Mi calmly shared her perspective: “Everyone has their own definition of a perfect mother. I know I’m not perfect, and I’ve made peace with that.” She emphasized that being a good person is her first priority, and she believes motherhood is not a role one needs to perform courageously, but rather, a continuous journey of learning and understanding.
Yang Mi also expressed her intention to respect her daughter’s individuality and to grow alongside her. “Instead of controlling her, I want to support her,” she said.
The actress also revealed a touching detail—Xiao Nuomi has a talent and love for drawing. “She draws quite well,” Yang Mi said, noting that art has become a shared topic that strengthens their bond. For Yang Mi, this open, respectful connection may not look like traditional motherhood, but it's a path she’s embracing wholeheartedly.