NDKC Holds Annual Parenting Seminar on Raising Mentally Healthy Learners
By Xyriel C. Tolentino, RPm
In line with its mission to provide holistic services to its stakeholders, the Office of Guidance Services, Scholarships, and Testing Center conducted its annual Parenting Seminar entitled “Supporting Not Pressuring: Raising Mentally Healthy & Thriving Learners” on September 19, 2026, at the Br. Norman Roy Gymnasium.
The program began with a welcome address delivered by the Vice President for Administration, Dr. Klemm Ryan Z. Bernabe, followed by the introduction of the resource speaker by Mr. Xyriel C. Tolentino, RPm.
The guest speaker, Dr. Mary Ann Rose C. Bartolo, RGC, LPT, emphasized the importance of building connection before correction when guiding children. She highlighted that children need to feel loved, valued, and secure for guidance to be effective. She encouraged parents to consistently express their love and reassurance, reminding them, “Start the day with ‘I love you,’ and end the day with ‘I love you.’”
Dr. Bartolo also discussed how everyday parenting choices can either strengthen or weaken relationships—not only between parents and children but also between co-parents and partners. She emphasized that combining emotional warmth with clear structure provides a strong foundation for secure and effective guidance.
Furthermore, Dr. Bartolo reminded parents that perfection is not required in parenting. Rather, setting a positive example, establishing clear boundaries, and allowing children to experience age-appropriate struggles and negative emotions are essential to their growth and development. She encouraged parents to give their children opportunities to learn from challenges while providing appropriate guidance and support.
As a practical takeaway from the session, Dr. Bartolo encouraged parents to connect, listen, encourage, allow space for growth through struggle, and thoughtfully observe and respond to their children’s needs.
The annual enrichment session aimed to equip parents with practical techniques and strategies for raising children in an increasingly digital and rapidly changing world, while emphasizing the importance of support over pressure. The activity reflects Notre Dame of Kidapawan College’s continuing commitment to providing quality Christian education and strengthening meaningful home-school partnerships that contribute to the holistic development and well-being of its learners.
