class ConfigurationsTable extends Table {

// deleting threaded records
    private function _deleteChildren($parentId) {
        $children = $this->find('all', [
            'conditions' => [
                'parent_id' => $parentId
            ]
        ]);
        if (!empty($children)) {
            foreach ($children as $child) {
                $this->delete($child['id']);
            }
        }
    }
}