One evening, I heard this ad over TV Channel 7 broadcast, “Paano ka mag-aalaga ng bata kung ikaw ay bata rin?” (How do you take care of a child when you’re a child your self?).

It gave me one of my most insightful points during a self parenting seminar that I conducted in a large, South Manila-based school. Around a hundred people or more came (fathers and mothers, teachers, principal, guidance counselors, including the wives of the municipality’s mayor and congressman).

It’s a different kind of parenting seminar. It’s because my focus is on the parents themselves and not on the children. In the seminar, I shared about inner healing and character formation of the parents first before they can apply healthy parenting techniques to their children.

I also shared about my own parenting journey, including the ups and downs, my mistakes and joys. I hope and pray to reach out to more parents in this area. I’m not an expert on child rearing techniques (others can more effectively teach that!).

But I believe the Lord has raised me to teach well on how to “parent one’s self” and heal the “inner child” as a foundation for authentic, long-term parenting of children.

I know. I’ve been there. And I’m thankful for the opportunity!