The implementation of work from home measures previously, coupled with the recent COVID-19 circuit breaker measures could be a fine balancing act to tread as you go about your day, facing your loved ones at home 24/7.
While some parents may feel more secure with kids by their side, feelings of frustration towards their child could also arise by juggling so many tasks at home. From managing the household to work commitments, in addition to assisting their child with full home-based learning.
In light of this work from home situation, a Singaporean mum went around scouring for a cane for her six-year-old daughter on March 29, as reported by Mothership.
Canes were “Best Selling Item”
Turns out, the canes were sold out. All the mum could get her hands on was a “crooked and slightly bent” version, even though she planned to “buy a cane (or 3).
A typical old school cane that older Singaporeans especially would be familiar with. | Source
The store uncle even told her that the canes had become their “best selling item” from the time work from home measures were implemented.
And that was a hilarious discovery for the mum—relatable that she, like other parents are “all in the same boat” during this situation.
The search for canes continued…
The mum continued on with her search for canes but to no avail—everything was sold out.
She was even asked by the store aunty on why she needed to purchase 4 canes, to which she explained: “my kid keeps throwing them away and I’m very angry”.
The store aunty then joked: “are all parents in Singapore hitting their child to death?”
And as if a matter of fact, the mum somehow agreed. “If we don’t scold them until we vomit blood and die first.”
No ill intentions to caning child
The mum even shared a screenshot of a reply back to her Instagram story, suggesting a place she could buy canes from.
But despite her sharings, she has no ill intentions of abusing her child and had only wanted to use the cane as a “deterrent”.
“Please don’t abuse your kids ok. My cane’s main purpose is a deterrent. I mostly wave it around and threaten a lot.”
Still, there are other effective ways to deal with a child that refuses to listen rather than whipping out a cane, the mum concluded.
What Singaporeans might remember…
These old school canes could have triggered a memory from our past. Some of our parents could have also used whatever they could get their hands on. Whether it was a cane, towel, belt, clothes hanger or even this feather duster… as long as it got the “job” (disciplining) done.
Caning child: another familiar item used in households to discipline a child. | Image: Source
But one thing is for certain: different parents have different ways of managing their children. But whatever it might be, it is always encouraged to take a step back and re-assess the situation again. And always remember to take deep breaths.
Meanwhile, we hope that everyone stays safe and socially responsible by staying at home during this crucial COVID-19 period.
Corporal Punishment in Singapore
While it is not considered illegal or unlawful for parents to cane their child in Singapore, there are consequences to caning if the punishment meted out extends to abuse.
So when do you draw the line? Corporal punishment becomes abuse in these cases:
- Causes unnecessary physical pain, suffering or injury
- Emotional injury
- Injury to the health and/or development of the child
Source: Mothership
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