Andi Eigenmann First Thought She And Philmar Would Have Issues About Parenting Styles

• Andi Eigenmann once said that she believes she picked the right partner in Philmar Alipayo when raising kids. But in a Smart Parenting Exclusive, the mom of three shares that she once thought she and her fiancé would clash when it comes to parenting.

  “Magkaiba kami ng culture, magkaiba kami ng upbringing ni Philmar, so expected ko na magkakaroon kami ng disagreements,” SmartParenting.com.ph’s May 2021 cover mom tells us.

  

  Andi and Koa.

  PHOTO BY Aaron Forcadilla

  ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW

  After two kids together, however, Andi says their individual parenting styles actually complement each other’s. She tries to be an advocate of gentle parenting, while Philmar’s parenting is more instinctive and firm.

  CONTINUE READING BELOW

  Recommended Videos

  “He’s the firm one, I’m the gentle parent,” she shares. “Kung kailangan pagalitan o pagsabihan, pagsasabihan niya. Hindi siya nag-he-hesitate because for him, ‘yan ang hinihingi ng anak ko at this moment.’”

  

  Andi says Philmar is a natural at being a dad.

  PHOTO BY Aaron Forcadilla

  ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW

  Parenting is a continuous learning process for the couple, especially because their kids have very different personalities. Andi describes Ellie as “naturally obedient,” so she didn’t have a hard time becoming a gentle parent.

  

  On the other hand, Lilo has a stronger personality compared to her older sister. Andi admits, “medyo nahirapan ako. She needs a sense of authority and if you don’t give her that, she’d really just be naughty,” the mom shares.

  ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW

  She has Philmar’s support when it comes to disciplining the kids. “Lagi niyang sinasabi, ‘You are allowed to be firm, you are allowed to tell her [that] she’s not allowed to do that’,” Andi says.

  

  Andi describes Lilo as a toddler with a strong personality.

  PHOTO BY Aaron Forcadilla

  ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW

  At first, Andi thought Philmar’s ways were going against the gentle parenting strategies she reads in her books. But at the end of the day, parenting is not the same for every family.

  

  Andi says, “I should listen more to and have a better understanding with my partner, rather than listening to what the book says.”

  PHOTO BY Aaron Forcadilla

  ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW

  “I’d rather learn from my partner who is as committed to being a parent to my kids as I am than the books that I read,” she says.

  “I’m learning more about myself as a parent when I see the way he parents,” Andi adds.

  Watch more of their Smart Parenting exclusive interview here!

  More stories about the Happy Islanders will be on SmartParenting.com.ph for the whole month of May. Check out our YouTube channel and Facebook page for exclusive videos and behind-the-scenes. Catch the latest from the Happy Islanders on their YouTube channel.

   

  What other parents are reading