Former child actor Zaijan Jaranilla, best known for his breakout role as good child Santino in the Kapamilya series May Bukas Pa, is already 21 years old.
“Di po ako makapaniwala na ang bilis po ng panahon. Nagulat din po ako na simulang bata ako hanggang ngayon, andito pa rin po ako sa showbiz industry. Masayang masaya po ako,” the young actor, who currently stars in the superhero series Darna, shares in an interview at Magandang Buhay.
On the topic of growing up in the spotlight, he also opened up about his role as his family’s breadwinner ever since he was young. “Yes, ako po yung breadwinner ng family namin. Bago pa po nun, nagtatalent-talent na ko sa mga teleserye pa. Hanggang sa nag-boom yung May Bukas Pa and nakita ko na natutulungan ko yung family ko sa ganung paraan.”
He continued, “Ayun, minahal ko na rin po yung trabaho ko. Masaya ako. Lahat ng kung anong meron ako, dapat meron din sila.”
Proud Lola's boy
Despite his positive outlook, he admits that his childhood wasn’t all that rosy, and revealed that his parents separated when he was little, leaving him to his grandmother’s care. “Ang nagpalaki po sakin yung lola ko. Lola’s boy po talaga ako. Aware po ako na hiwalay yung mga magulang ko.”
Instead of dwelling on his folks’ separation, he took the time to step up for his siblings and divert his focus to career. He recalled, “Di po ako na-stuck sa phase na yun. Di ko dinamdam kumbaga kasi nung time na yun nagtatrabaho din ako tas nakita ko na nakakatulong ako sa mga kapatid at saka sa family ko, so dun ko na lang po binuhos lahat ng atensyon ko.”
Continuous communication is key
He says, he also harbored zero resentment for his mom and dad. “Sa totoo lang hindi po eh. Feeling ko mas naging independent po ako. Ganun yung naramdaman ko. Hindi ako yung batang, ‘Ay kailangan ko ng pagmamahal ng magulang ko,’ basta continuous yung communication namin, yung lola ko po sya yung nagi-insist sakin na, ‘Oh, bisitahin mo mama mo.’”
READ ALSO: Danica Sotto Says Children Are Not 'Doomed To Repeat The Mistakes' Of Separated Parents
On what’s next for his career, Zaijan says he has grown to be more passionate about his craft, taking his time to learn valuable lessons along the way. “Mas naging passionate lang po ako. Bukod sa nakakatulong ako sa family ko, nakikita ko din yung purpose ko sa sarili ko at sa tulong din nung mga nakakasama ko, marami din po akong napupulot na aral. Sobrang importante po ng pakikisama. Lalo na sa showbiz industry, yung professionalism, at yung pagpapakumbaba. Yun natutunan ko.”
How can parents help their child after separation
When the parents of a child separate, it doesn't mean that it's the end for them. However, each person has a unique way of coping. Ultimately, the parents are accountable for making the setup work for the best of everyone.
In a previous article, child psychologist Dr. Steve Carroll shared to Fatherly what he thinks is the worst age for a child to go through a parents separation. He said it's at 11 years old, when they hit puberty.
He said, while it's the age where a child's bond with their parents is well-established, they are also battling for independence and struggling with self-esteem. That's why when there are changes within his family which is supposed to be his support system, it could be devastating.
READ ALSO: Carlo Aquino's Ex-Girlfriend Trina Candaza On Co-Parenting: 'Kung Saan Nalang Okay Ang Lahat'
Nevertheless, the impact of a parents' separation is not less when a child is 3 or 16. There are other factors to consider, but ultimately, it's how the parents would handle the split that will have a significant effect on the child.
Three things you and your estranged spouse should never do:
- a parent talks ill of the other parent in front of the child
- a parent refuses to let her child spend with the other parent;
- or a parent turns into an absentee parent because they couldn't agree on a visitation schedule, child support, etc.
This story originally appeared on Candymag.com. Minor edits have been made by the SmartParenting.com.ph editors.
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