What’s the most valuable lesson you learned from your parents?

Twenty years ago, nine out of 10 Filipino children looked up to their parents as role models. Today, only four out of 10 kids admire mom and dad. Because most of us parents work hard to give our children a better future, we tend to give the responsibility of training our children to the school, other family members and the nanny at home. Perhaps it is because we do this that our kids look up to others as their idols.

The Second Philippine Parenting Convention which will be held on March 13 — 14 at the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel and is spearheaded by parenting advocates, Anthony and Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, has as its main objective to guide parents become better role models for their kids.

It’s time for us parents to create more opportunities for bonding with our kids because it is in this way that we will create happier homes, more responsible children, a more productive country and most of all a more joyful parenting experience.

ISABELLA, painter/singer: The one thing that stood out in my heart and mind as being the most important lesson was being taught by my parents to pursue a relationship with the Lord, one that is growing toward a more intimate understanding of His character and love, that I may become more like Him and fulfill the purpose He had made me for.

PAOLO ABRERA, TV host: My parents always taught me to share with those who are less fortunate.

MARY ANN ANSALDO-CHAN, housewife and mother of five: Always be available to your children. Whatever is important to them, no matter how insignificant it may seem to you should be important to you.

IAN TIONGSON, manager, Cabalen, Robinsons Pampanga: Do your best in anything and the rest will follow.

JOJO LASTIMOSA, assistant coach, Alaska: Respect your elders all the time.

LEO MARTINEZ, director/actor: Choose a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life. And because we were encouraged to pursue our dreams, all 12 of us children have 12 different occupations. No jealousy, no quarrels. Just individuality. Another favorite sermon: If you think education is expensive (or tiresome or too long), try ignorance."

ATTY. PIA CAYETANO, K4 senatorial candidate: I learned so many things from my Parents – it’s hard to single out just one thing. But my dad’s last message to us was to always put God first and to find time to talk to Him. It’s my faith in God that sustained me when I lost my son and then my dad. So, now when I’m feeling low, I try to focus on the Lord and am comforted in the knowledge that during my dad’s last days, it was his love for God that gave him peace and joy.

GINA VALENCIANO MARTINEZ, professional actor/director of the Film Academy of the Philippines: I always remember my parents’ reminders whenever we tell our helpers what to do, "Hija, remember that maids, drivers are also human beings, not machines. Treat them like they are one of us." Today, my trusted yaya has been with us for 23 years. The rest of my staff have been with us at least eight years.