What Kind of A Parent Am I?

Sometimes parents are the last to know about their children's problems and at times it maybe too late before they become aware of the problem.

This was my greatest fear when I started rearing my children. So I took extra effort to let them know that their family will always be there for them even when the whole world turns its back; that their family members are the persons that they could truly trust in everything and anything under the sun.

This will then prevent them from going outside and looking for understanding from a group in which they could feel that sense of belongingness.

Angel Cuala of Happy Family Matters has invited me to post about what kind of a parent I am. Although this is late, I opted to post it anyhow.

I am the parent whom my children can consider their mentor, confidante, and friend.

I married early so my kids are not very far from my age.

In fact when my eldest was 25, they thought he was my younger brother, even they mistook him as my husband at times. (smiles).

My only daughter and I, talk up to the wee hours of dawn when she has some love problems.

Like when she had her first crush, we talked all night long and I listened as she told me stories about how intelligent and handsome the boy was.

I knew all her crushes and her boyfriends in her growing up years up to the time that she got married.

My son, in turn had a crush when he was 5 yrs old (I was astonished when he told me this as I thought at that age, he was still incapable of crushes).

I bought a teddy bear for the pretty girl during her birthday and my son was elated.

I am not encouraging them to get serious about their crushes, I know that this is a normal phase of growing up and I am glad I was there for them as I was able to guide them to the right path and simultaneously I want them to enjoy their lives as normal, growing –up kids.

When there was a fraternity in the school where my son was enrolled and he informed me that they were inviting him to join ( to prove his manhood), I was so worried.

When he expressed his desire to join them, I panicked. We had a long, heart to heart talk and I encouraged him instead to join the ROTC officer's training which was then - Thank God!-being conducted in their school.

I pointed out to him that this could develop his physical stamina too. I was able to convince him, and we were both on cloud nine when he passed the rigorous officer's training and became an officer in the University's ROTC.

I became a "parent" figure too at times when it was needed, but I never instituted corporal punishment.

I believe that “honey can attract more ants, than vinegar”, so I tried the positive approach- recognizing them for deeds well done.

They were still young then and any learning should be properly explained to them so they could understand the rationale behind specific decisions.

They themselves changed when they were properly motivated. Decisions regarding things that concerned them were usually done after consultation with them.

Acknowledging their ability to decide properly had reinforced their belief in themselves.

If it was something minor, I allowed them to decide for themselves.


When their decisions were wrong; however, I put my foot down and implemented what was best for everyone.

I had always shown them that I love them unconditionally and this had made them stronger and more confident to go out into the world and meet the challenges that life has to offer.

A positive approach to parenting is always the best choice to allow our children to grow and develop as responsible parents in the future and good citizens of the community to which they belong.