mums..
I feel...
What is it with the blind pursue of high education? I see kids carrying heavy bags, I see the fear in their eyes when exam papers are given out, I could practically feel their wild heartbeat, their heart sinking, their hands turning cold... and all these emotional tortures just because of a piece of report card. They cry and I cry for them. Should a child be brought that much pressure. Young children, they are only impressionable kids who want nothing more than to please their parents. Where else, as our age increases, can we get in touch with such pure thoughts?
Yesterday, I went to tuition my boy and like always, the mother stood along the corridoor to ask me how was the Maths homework. I told her casually that recently, he has been quite careless and told her to take note. That was it. I really regretted saying all that because she shouted for her son to come before us and started slapping him. she hit him so hard that I winced at every sound made. The boy did not cry at the first slap. It was only until the second slap then he bursts into tears. Seeing him cry, the mother slapped him even harder. I almost fainted. Then she asked me if I have already checked his school work. He did not show it to me, so I said no. The mother told him to bring the worksheet over and hit him even harder. I don't know how hard she could hit, but I felt really lousy!
Yes, I understand that your daughter, in the previous marriage, went wayward. I understand that he is your only child and you place all your hopes on him. I also understand that he disappoints you by doing things he shouldn't have done. But a child, taken under any consequences, is still a child. I guess we have to blame it on the way Singapore focuses on education. The oldies at MOE had it easy during their time. I bet the top management has difficulty solving Primary 5 Mathematics problems. As far as I can see, they are using the hands of the parents to smother their kids future so that they can achieve what they aimed. So much for turning us into people with cultivated mind! If this pressure keeps adding on, 10 years down the road, all schools will be turned into asylums! Physical violation is unthinkable, but bathering kids emotionally is even more cruel. The very concept makes my heart burn.
I sympathise the children of this century. But there is nothing I can do. I am in no position to do anything. Once again, I am helpless.
"We have no right, we Have no say, and we longed to be free one day.."
I remembered reciting this with the SJAB squad during National day. During then, we made a joke out of it... Looking back..
Jacqueline
7:51 AM
