Language pathologist chastises It’s Showtime for insensitively airing child’s emotional moment

The televised appearance of Kulot's distraught and teary eyes on Mar. 27 prompted discussions among viewers and psychology experts.

In an episode of “Showtime,” host Vice Ganda spoke to child star Princess Kathryn Caponpon, also known as Kulot, about her parents, who were present at the studio, discussing how they have already mended their relationship after a recent misunderstanding.

The comedian host noticed that Kulot was still about to cry despite her parents hugging it out, which led the comedian to ask the kid why.

Tears brimming her eyes, she shared “madami pa din ho ‘yang ka-text” referring to her father who was revealed earlier in the interview, to having frequent disagreements and arguments with Kulot’s mother as they often catch him cheating.

Child language pathologist Nancy Lumanlan shares her professional perspective on the underlying issues from the emotional moment of Kulot, as she talked about her father on live television.

“I do not agree with it. Kasi nga, as I’ve said, they're using it for entertainment purposes. Kasi ang nangyayari ngayon, masyado nang maraming things online or in the mainstream media that is deemed “acceptable” when it is actually not. Kasi what is the topic there? Its actually a very heavy topic; adultery.” she said.

(I do not agree with it. Because, as i’ve said, they’re using t for entertainment purposes. What’s happening right now is that there are a lot of things online or in the mainstream media that is deemed “acceptable” when it is actually not. Because what is the topic here? Its actually a very heavy topic; adultery. )

Lumanlan pointed out the context of the noontime show centered around entertainment and funny spiels that inevitably jeopardize the opportunity for a proper and private conversation within the family regarding heavy topics.

The internet praises the hosts for “handling the situation professionally” by regulating the child’s emotions, however, Lumanlan has a few reservations.

“If you’re an objective viewer, you always see the good points and the bad points, the good point is nakalma naman nya ung bata and may patutunguhan naman ung sinasabi nya na gusto nya na may family unity; forgiveness. Pero on the other side the problem is you cannot rush these things alone diba? Is family unity gonna happen just because pinagbabati mo sila? That is superficial ano diba.” she said

In the noontime show, we heard Kulot’s statements toward her father implying a broken trust, making it difficult to say “I love you” to her father. Lumanlan cited Erikson's psychosocial theory on development to explain Kulot’s reluctance.

“According to Erikson’s psychosocial theory on development, ang bata kasi, alam mo during that infancy period ay dito ung trust vs. mistrust. Diba ung nangingilala; hindi sumasama agad ganun? So makikita mo ung bata hindi sya nag i-ilove you kasi she has developed mistrust e.” she said.

Lumanlan pointed out the other possibility involving the impact of how the mom explained this situation to the child.

“Number one ah, hindi mo din masasabi that its just the child. Marami na rin nasabi ung nanay nya about that situation. In that situation, her judgement is colored. Actually mabigat din un. That the female parent gave all of that information sa bata. Kasi the child seems mature for her age. Ung pananalita nya diba? Usually, ung children na may ganyang mga issues, ung maraming binibigay sakanila na burden or information from the parent to the child.” she said.

“Yung initiative and guilt. Kinukulit sya na sabihin mo na love mo sya. But since shes also consumed by guilt, hindi sya makapag initiate, why, nandun ung nanay nya e. Kumbaga if pinakita mo sa bata na kailangan kampi ka sakin, saan lulugar ung bata? Kahit na love nya naman siguro ung daddy nya, hindi nya masasabi un kasi she has this guilt diba? ‘Kawawa naman ung mommy ko,’” she added.

When asked about her professional opinion on how parents or guardians should handle such situations, Lumanlan provided a firm response.

“Privately. It should be handled privately. The child has to be processed as to ano ba ung pinag uusapan. Siya she does’nt really see it as adultery. In her mind; a seven year old mind it only sees that nagtetext sya sa iba, dapat ang tinetext nya lang ung mommy nya. Actually pag tinanong mo sya un lang ung sasabihin nya sayo.” she said.

On her final sentiments regarding this topic, Lumanlan emphasized that no matter how young children are, they are keen on what’s happening around them; If you think they don’t know what’s happening, chances are, they already know. Hence, it is the adult’s role to ensure that they understand things better without hurting them in the process.

“That these discussions like these, especially when it involves children, should not be done carelessly; without a thought of the child’s feelings. Fidelity is a value so if you discuss it seemingly in an entertaining fashion, is it not deemed newsworthy? So pwede ko nang gawin para lang pag usapan ako diba? So yun ung take ko dun. There are some things you shouldn't say anymore or talk about anymore just for views” she said.

by: Yllonah Bago