While children look up to their parents for life lessons, it is no longer uncommon that kids learn about life on their own. Is it possible that parents also have something to learn from their kids?
The Philippine Parents Convention, now in its third year, spearheaded by dynamic couple Anthony and Maricel Pangilinan, has put together resource speakers who will be conducting talks and activities this October 1 at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater, Ateneo de Manila on Katipunan. The theme is "Better Parents for a Better Future."
FERNANDO ZOBEL DE AYALA, co-vice-chairman, Ayala Corporation: We have three daughters – Natasha, 8, Sylvia, 6, and Katya, 2 – and through them, Kit and I have rediscovered the pleasure and happiness that so many simple things can bring: the excitement of a new discovery, the thrill of the first bike ride and all the spontaneous expressions of affection. On a lighter note, they have also taught us the real meaning of energy and patience!
ANDY FERRERIA, entrepreneurship advocate/professor: We are learning from our kids that they can choose well! We are learning that if we parents do not impose, but instead expose our children to the world, they will make choices to become the best they can be.
CERGE REMONDE, government media head: What I have learned from kids today is that they are growing up in an environment that is a lot different from ours. This shapes their attitude and outlook in life. Therefore, we have to understand them better.
DINKY SOLIMAN, social development worker: From my kids, I learned to face the truth and stand for the truth. They keep my soul pure because they distill the crap from my motivations and rationalizations. They teach me to relax.
DINO LAURENO, co-managing partner, Harrison Communications: I’m rediscovering the simple wonders and pleasures that we all too often gloss over and take for granted, like the bright rays of an afternoon sun peaking through the clouds, reaching out like giant hands ready to tag us. Or silly, mindless giggling over Mr. Bean is quite relaxing and best of all is free! We should always try to connect with the child in us; it never fails to dramatically improve our happiness quotient.
JIM PAREDES, entertainer/photographer: I am learning every day how each one of them is a facet of God unfolding on earth. Each is uniquely gifted and must be treated so. And each one is my teacher as much as I am theirs.
FRANCISCO J. COLAYCO, author/speaker: I have learned from my children, who are now all grown-up, that kids observe, absorb, and follow what their parents do and how their parents carry on with their day-to-day lives. We have been told, time and again, about this, but it doesn’t seem real until it happens to you. To this day, when our children engage us in either light or serious life discussions, they inevitably refer to the examples of values and behavior they saw in us all throughout their growing-up years. I am truly awed that some of what I thought were insignificant words uttered or behavior displayed by us have had a profound impact on their own way of life today. I am convinced real education starts at home.
PINKY YEE, marketing director, Goldilocks Bakeshop, Inc: I love the way the question is phrased, since a parent’s learning process should continuously progress. One of the things I’m learning from my kids is that traditional values can successfully be integrated into their modern, fast-paced, and distraction-filled world. As long as you make a sincere effort to relate to your children, you can instill time-honored principles in them without sounding old-fashioned or preachy.
RIA TANJUATCO TRILLO, newscaster/host: I’ve learned that while it’s crucial to plan for the future, it’s equally important to live in the present. It’s alarmingly easy to miss out on all the wonderful things that come with watching your child grow up.
BOBONG VELEZ, restaurateur/businessman: I am learning that the love between parents and children is for a lifetime, that children will always look up to their parents as role models, that while we will be their parents forever, we should learn to listen to them, allow them to "fly" because they have to eventually become their own persons.
FRANCIS KONG, top motivational speaker: The one thing I am learning from kids is that there’s still a lot I can learn from them. I need to be still and I need to really, really listen because my kids have a lot to teach me. They’ve taught me to be a lot more patient and to respect them more for their values and maturity in life.