Kids

ICYMI: Gentle Parenting with Andi Manzano-Reyes and Gretchen Gatan Fragada

by Kevyn Gohu
April 21, 2022

Modern Parenting’s Parentalk 2022 covers Gretchen Gatan Fragada and Andi Manzano-Reyes as they swap tips and ideas on Gentle Parenting.

Gentle Parenting is a new form of parenting wherein it takes more mindfulness on our parts to catch our temper. We still assert our authority as parents but balance out being firm and gentle at the same time. But it’s hard to achieve that balance which is what Modern Parenting’s Managing Editor Gretchen Gatan Fragada and Cetaphil Brand Ambassador Andi Manzano-Reyes cover in Modern Parenting’s Parentalk 2022.

“Trusting Your Own Maternal Instinct”

In a world where everyone’s connected, it’s no surprise that moms find out other things from other moms. Andi shares during the interview, “The most important advice I can give is the same one my own mom gave me, ‘to trust your own maternal instinct’. In social media, parenting and motherhood are everywhere and we follow a lot of moms. But the best thing is to never compare your parenting style to someone else’s. We learn as we go and it’ll come naturally as our kids grow. When we have questions, it’s best to ask experts like doctors. You never go wrong with doctors.”

Gentle Parenting with Andi Manzano-Reyes and Gretchen Gatan Fragada

Balancing Parenting Styles Between Kids

Just like how moms learn how Cetaphil Baby is okay from doctors, a mom’s parenting style can be based on her own mom’s. Andi adds, “Sometimes, you take a style and just adapt it to the situation. Like, some would claim they’re a tiger mom or a helicopter mom. Then, there might be a time that you’ll have a bad day. Especially when your kids are toddlers, you will need a lot of patience” — Andi laughs — “I’m sure a lot of moms will agree. But for me, it’s really about growing up with your kids. In every stage, you learn about yourself as you teach your kids.”

Both moms Gretchen and Andi also shared one philosophy: “If you want your kids to learn how to be kind, you have to show them, too. It creates a ripple effect wherein the kids learn what it means to be kind and patient.”

What is Healthy Play?

During Parentalk 2022, Gretchen and Andi share how Healthy Play allows their kids to grow. But Andi acknowledges that there is a sense of paranoia. Andi shares, “Even going to our pedias, sometimes, we get paranoid since the virus is out there. But my kids know that the moment they step out of the house — they have to wear a mask. They sanitize all the time. I really don’t want to stop Amelia and Olivia from Healthy Play. They need that. What I really like is when we go to the park. I tell them, ‘go ahead, remove your shoes. Ground yourselves and just run around. Enjoy the feel of the grass. Get dirty as much as you can and then enjoy your very refreshing bath time’.”

Gretchen also shares in the interview, “In many places, Healthy Play is when we really see our kids grow. Bringing them out of the house, letting them experience things — it’s where we see them really grow as people.”

There’s Always Something New About Parenting

Parenting is never static and there’s no shame in knowing that there’s a better parenting style out there for your kids. In fact, trying it out makes us better parents because it means we’re trying to bring out the best in our kids. The same goes for how Cetaphil Baby makes sure that all 5 areas of our babies’ skincare protection are covered. But not to worry, there’s more to learn about Gentle Parenting from Gretchen and Andi. Check out the Parentalk video on Modern Parenting’s FB page to watch the full clip!

In addition, you can join the Cetaphil Baby Dialogues—a community of parents dedicated to helping give their babies the four healthy foundations: healthy food, healthy sleep, healthy play, and healthy skin.