Tagbilaran Bishop Abet Uy presides over the Mass at the Holy Infant Parish in Valencia town, Bohol. Photo courtesy of Bishop Abet Uy
TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines — “Do not over pamper or spoil your children.”
This was the message of Tagbilaran Bishop Abet Uy as the entire country celebrates the feast of the Niño or the Holy Child Jesus on Sunday, Jan. 17.
“Pampering is not good because it will make your child weak, dependent, and irresponsible,” he said during a Mass he presided at Holy Infant Parish in Valencia town, Bohol.
“Instead teach them about responsibility and accountability,” he added.
The prelate asked parents to make their children responsible for their schoolwork and involve them in little household chores.
Uy said pampering creates weakness because children develop the belief that others should do everything for them.
He also encouraged parents to instill essential values and virtues in children, and introduce them to the Lord instead of giving material gifts.
“Bring your children to Jesus. The greatest gift that parents can give to their children is to bring them to Jesus, to introduce them to God, and to help them understand how much God loves each of them, ” he said.