5 Valuable Parenting Lessons Learned From Growing Up In Iglesia Ni Cristo

Life teaches us many lessons. Often, these come from our parents, who are our first and best teachers. A huge part of who we turn out to be in life is influenced by the guidance we receive at home. As we get older, we are influenced by others outside our homes. We build relationships with people within our community. These communities – whether formed in school, the barangay, the workplace or in the church, become our extended families.

One close-knit community is the church of Iglesia ni Cristo. Celebrating their centennial this year, they have grown in number, in strength and in faith. Maoi Carlos, the daughter of an Iglesia Ni Cristo Deacon, shares that outsiders may view their rules as strict and stiff. But, by being deeply involved in the church from a young age, she and her siblings received the guidance they needed to become better people who know right from wrong, good from evil.

Their family shows that there are lessons in life, and in parenting, that can be learned from growing up in Iglesia ni Cristo. Here are 5 more valuable parenting lessons that were learned by growing up in Iglesia ni Cristo.

As parents, we need to learn to accept help, and understand that we are not the only influencers in our children’s lives.

Star, an actress and mom, shares that in Iglesia ni Cristo, they observe close family values and never grow weary of reminding and teaching their kids. They guide their children in their daily activities, and also spiritually. They work closely with the Pagsamba ng Kabataan group, their partners in molding their children’s attitudes and beliefs.

Having a good relationship with your spouse is also important.

Sharon Reyes, a mother of 1, learned at home that establishing peace, respect and love with one’s partner is important in raising children. This means learning to be forgiving and loving unconditionally. Though their family has had its fair share of trials, in rocky times they would pray together for guidance and strength.

It is never too early to start teaching our children about guidelines and rules that help instill discipline in them.

Anna Garcia, 23, remembers how her parents had her join children’s worship service every week. Through their encouragement, she learned how to dress appropriately and what to prepare for worship services. She also became time-conscious and disciplined herself to attend worship on time. The experience brought her family closer together, making them strong in the face of trials.

Abstaining from certain things while they are young can help keep your children focused on the future.

Iglesia Ni Cristo teens are encouraged to abstain from entering into relationships until they are of working age. They are also discouraged from having boyfriends or girlfriends from other religions. Anne, mother of 1, says that being different made things difficult growing up. Khamilla, 25, realizes now that staying true to these practices helped her remain focused on her studies, plans for the future, and her responsibilities to the church.

Rather than focus on what you don’t have, learn to find a reason for happiness and celebration in each day.

One of the practices that non-members of Iglesia Ni Cristo buzz about upon finding out is their non-celebration of Christmas, Halloween and Valentine’s Day. When she was younger, Anna Tomas, 23, initially thought about the gifts that she would be missing during Christmas. But then, as she discovered the reason for these practices, she learned to accept them. She has changed her perspective from negative to positive.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Patricia de Castro-Cuyugan

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Patricia de Castro-Cuyugan

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