Chapter 3: DUTIES OF PARENTS
Art. 46. General Duties. - Parents shall have the following general duties toward their children:
(1) To give him affection, companionship and understanding;
(2) To extend to him the benefits of moral guidance, self-discipline and religious instruction;
(3) To supervise his activities, including his recreation;
(4) To inculcate in him the value of industry, thrift and self-reliance;
(5) To stimulate his interest in civic affairs, teach him the duties of citizenship, and develop his commitment to his country;
(6) To advise him properly on any matter affecting his development and well-being;
(7) To always set a good example;
(8) To provide him with adequate support, as defined in Article 290 of the Civil Code; and
(9) To administer his property, if any, according to his best interests, subject to the provisions of Article 320 of the Civil Code.
Art. 47. Family Affairs. - Whenever proper, parents shall allow the child to participate in the discussion of family affairs, especially in matters that particularly concern him.
In cases involving his discipline, the child shall be given a chance to present his side.
Art. 48. Winning Child's Confidence. - Parents shall endeavor to win the child's confidence and to encourage him to conduct with them on his activities and problems.
Art. 49. Child Living Away from Home. - If by reason of his studies or for other causes, a child does not live with his parents, the latter shall communicate with him regularly and visit him as often as possible.
The parents shall see to it that the child lives in a safe and wholesome place and under responsible adult care and supervision.
Art. 50. Special Talents. - Parents shall endeavor to discover the child's talents or aptitudes, if any, and to encourage and develop them.
If the child is especially gifted, his parents shall report this fact to the National Center for Gifted Children or to other agencies concerned so that official assistance or recognition may be extended to him.
Art. 51. Reading Habit. - The reading habit should be cultivated in the home. Parents shall, whenever possible, provide the child with good and wholesome reading material, taking into consideration his age and emotional development. They shall guard against the introduction in the home of pornographic and other unwholesome publications.
Art. 52. Association with Other Children. - Parents shall encourage the child to associate with other children of his own age with whom he can develop common interests of useful and salutary nature. It shall be their duty to know the child's friends and their activities and to prevent him from falling into bad company. The child should not be allowed to stay out late at night to the detriment of his health, studies or morals.
Art. 53. Community Activities. - Parents shall give the child every opportunity to form or join social, cultural, educational, recreational, civic or religious organizations or movements and other useful community activities.
Art. 54. Social Gatherings. - When a party or gathering is held, the parents or a responsible person should be present to supervise the same.
Art. 55. Vices. - Parents shall take special care to prevent the child from becoming addicted to intoxicating drinks, narcotic drugs, smoking, gambling, and other vices or harmful practices.
Art. 56. Choice of career. - The child shall have the right to choose his own career. Parents may advise him on this matter but should not impose on him their own choice.
Art. 57. Marriage. - Subject to the provisions of the Civil Code, the child shall have the prerogative of choosing his future spouse. Parents should not force or unduly influence him to marry a person he has not freely choosen.
