diff --git a/lodgeit/models.py b/lodgeit/models.py
index 0002d11..4c58bca 100644
--- a/lodgeit/models.py
+++ b/lodgeit/models.py
@@ -45,7 +45,10 @@ class Paste(db.Model):
         self.language = language
         #XXX:dc: set these a bit more sanely, allowing two types is bad
         if parent_id:
-            self.parent_id = parent_id
+            if str(parent_id).isdigit():
+                self.parent_id = parent_id
+            else:
+                self.parent_id = Paste.query.filter_by(private_id=parent_id).first().paste_id
         self.pub_date = datetime.now()
         self.handled = False
         self.user_hash = user_hash
