Richard Gutierrez Who Says He Is a Lenient Dad Shares How He Disciplines Zion

In an interview with PEP.ph, actor Richard Gutierrez opened up about his life as a father to 6-year-old Zion and 1-year-old Kai.

Richard revealed he considers himself more lenient compared to his partner Sarah Lahbati, but he sets appropriate boundaries, particularly for his firstborn. Though there are times when Richard admonishes Zion when he gets mischievous, he also does not punish the 6-year-old. For him, the best way to discipline children is by sitting down and talking to them.

“Kanya-kanyang ways naman kung paano mo i-di-discipline yung child mo. Talking to them…making them understand is number one priority more than anything,” Richard told PEP.ph at the announcement of the second year of Kiehl’s Philippines’ Made Better campaign. 

According to Richard, Zion became jealous and went through a period of adjustment when his brother Kai was born.

“In the beginning, siyempre biglang may bagong baby. That’s normal,” Richard shared, “But as time passes by, you see that he cares more for his brother now. He’s makulit, makulit siya ngayon, but he cares for his younger brother.”

Richard was also asked about how his life changed after becoming a father.

“It goes deeper into your core, yung pagkatao mo na, ‘Wow, yung purpose mo, iba.’ So ang sarap ng feeling na yun. Hindi mo ma-pi-pinpoint, e.”

He continued, “Pero alam mo, bago lumabas si Zion, ang dami kong mga kaibigan na may mga anak who would say, ‘Alam mo, magbabago ka.’ Tapos ako naman, ‘Paano naman ako magbabago, e, magkakaanak?’

“Pero I guess you just want to spend time at home more, and excited kang umuwi, excited kang magkaroon ng free time. It just changes your outlook in life, parang higher purpose in life.”

Richard also shared, “I think it’s just a natural change…you hear it all the time na when you become a dad, ‘You’re gonna change,’ and all that stuff. But [you’ll never know] until you become a parent.”