MGCNL Parents Dive into Mental Health Seminar to Support their Children

“What is it that we really want for our kids?”

This was the question that developmental pediatrician Dr. Victoria Nolasco posed to more than 60 attendees of the “Mental Health and Student Well-being” parenting seminar held at the MGC New Life Christian Academy (MGCNLCA) auditorium last January 16. 

Dr. Nolasco, along with special education specialist and mental health activist Olivia Lou Yao, discussed strategies and techniques for parents to connect with and understand their children.

Kicking off the seminar, Yao spoke to the parents about improving communication while understanding their child's emotions. To support their emotional and mental well-being, she advised parents to listen to their kids and take them seriously, help them through challenges, encourage interests, and remain involved in their lives.   “Kids need a predictable home with positive routines that they can depend and count on,” said Yao.

Afterward, Dr. Nolasco briefed the parents on specific behaviors that they should look out for in children within specific age groups, urging parents to seek support and assistance when necessary. She also emphasized the importance of a strong parent-child bond, family engagement, balanced lifestyles, restricted screen time, and a shared faith in assisting a child’s development and mental wellness.

“I know as parents we’re worried about so many things we feel we need to do. But we should focus on being there, being present–connecting with our kids and strengthening the relationship,” she advocated.

Following the two presentations, Senior High School faculty member Richelle Kho facilitated a question-and-answer session where parents were able to raise additional inquiries and concerns. 

Many attendees expressed gratitude and appreciation for the insights and ideas imparted throughout the talk. “The session allowed me to understand my children better in terms of what to expect as they mature cognitively, emotionally, and physically,” MGCNLCA parent Niño Mateo expressed. “It also helped me better appreciate the impact of my actions on their overall development and well-being. I am hopeful that these would lead me to become more discerning as a parent as I seek spiritual and professional guidance in my decisions and actions.”

The seminar was spearheaded by the Guidance and Testing Center, headed by Daphne Uang. “In the face of this new reality, it is important to explore effective ways to support our students' emotional and psychological well-being, and the parents' role in this is immensely crucial,” Uang said.

Yao is a certified special education specialist, an advanced behavior interventionist with 17 years of experience, a mental health advocate, and a behavior consultant for several educational institutions. 

Meanwhile, Dr. Nolasco is a developmental and behavioral pediatrician at Cardinal Santos Medical Center and ManilaMed Child Development and Enrichment Center. She serves on the Board of Trustees of the Philippine Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. Dr. Nolasco has authored the books, “Toddler Talking: Boost Your Child’s Language and Brain Development in Three Easy Steps”, “Am I Spoiling My Child: The Discerning Parent’s Guide to Early Childhood Discipline”, and “I Am a Hero: A Mental Wellness Journal for Kids”.