Ayesha Curry on Riley's press conference performance: 'I thought it was beautiful'

With apologies to Harrison Barnes and Tristan Thompson, the real breakout star of the NBA playoffs has been Riley Curry.

While her much-publicized press conference antics have rubbed some the wrong way, they've been a giggle-inducing delight to most, showcasing both a preternaturally charming child and a paternal side of Golden State Warriors point guard and league MVP Stephen Curry.

Curry's wife, Ayesha, who authors the blog Little Lights of Mine, shared some thoughts in a post in the parenting section of Time.com on her daughter's public appearances and rising celebrity.

"I feel that the biggest thing you can do, as a parent, is to engage," she wrote. "You can never be too busy for your child. There should always be time for a bedtime story, impromptu playtime, or a quick game of hide-and-seek - or 'find me,' as Riley calls it."

To wit:

Ayesha continued:

Last week, Riley joined her father in a press conference, and some thought she stole the show. I thought it was beautiful, and I wouldn’t change a thing. There can be more than 50 people and 10 cameras - not counting camera phones - in the room during press conferences, so it can be overwhelming. But my husband handled his duties on the podium with ease and class. And my daughter was who she is - vibrant, spunky, and full of life. I hope she carries this with her through adulthood.

Stephen attends practice every day, and gives his all during the games on an almost-nightly basis. When that’s over, all he wants is to see his family, and on the day of that press conference, our daughter wanted to be with her father. I thought it was beautiful for him not to push his daddy duties to the bottom of the list just because all eyes were on him. I believe you should let your children be children, and don’t be afraid to be a parent, regardless of who’s watching.

Family matters! Our children matter! At the end of the day, when all the lights dim, and the cameras are gone, we are still here as his biggest, loudest, and most supportive cheerleaders. We are also extremely proud that in spite of some criticism, Riley was able to share in that experience with her father and bring joy and laughter into the lives and homes of many all over the world.

As if to prove she's more than just a cute sideshow, Riley has been offering her father some constructive criticism ahead of the NBA Finals.

And, more than just joy and laughter, she's helped bring a new line of Warriors paraphernalia into the world: