Morning Walk Encounters
Every morning, Sophie and I will take a walk around the estate and then go play at the playground.
In the past year, I’ve made a few friends around the estate – mostly grannies, nannies and helpers. Even the bangladeshi worker. These are the people in the neighbourhood.
Some things that I notice and hear here that really tug at my heart.
I see a lot of half asleep and some weepy babies and kids in pajamas being dropped off with grandparents and helpers. It’s such a common sight here. I feel so bad for the parents. It must be so hard to leave the kids behind and go off to work. I can totally understand. I don’t think I’ll be able to do that.
This morning I met a nanny with a 17 mth old girl (There are quite a number of nannies around my estate and we chat from time to time.). We were chatting for a while and the girl started whining coz I think she was getting uncomfortable in the pram. To my horror, the nanny shouted "Shut up lah, you think what i’m doing? I’m talking! …" I was so shocked! I quickly ended the conversation and went on my way. She was really nice you know. I really didn’t expect that from her. It made me think about what she did with the girl at home.
Another time I was with Sophie in the changing room at Great World City and I heard a helper shout at the boy "You stupid boy! …"
Even with grandparents, I’ve noticed that some are very unwilling babysitters and they complain about having to watch the baby. Some keep the baby on the stroller the entire day and chit chat with their friends all day at the void deck.
It’s really scary to think what kids are exposed to when the parents are not around.
But on the other hand, I’ve met a really nice nanny who said sadly that the boy’s parents only pick him up very late and hardly bring new clothes for him.
It’s really precious to have loving people to watch our kids if we can’t do it ourselves. Up till this point I’ve not been able to let anyone other than my parents or in laws watch Sophie. She’s just too precious.
November 27th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
Now we know why we have so many dysfunctional youths!! Sadly they will grow up and carry this with them into their own marriage. It is no wonder that we have such high divorce rates here. I always feel that if I can’t take care of my own kids, then I would not have any. While many may argue that someone has to go out and earn the bread, there is always another arguement that you live within your means and be thankful with what we have. God will never let us go hungry, we just need to be content.
I tell my girls that they will have to learn to look after their children when they have their own. As ‘future’ grandparents, KC & I believe that there should be no easy way out. Just as we had raised them ourselves the hard way, they too must learn how to do that and shoulder the responsibility. Of course, that does not mean that we will not love their children and will be available if help is needed. I think to leave the children with the grandparents when they should be enjoying their retirement should not be the norm. After all they have worked hard all their lives and should enjoy some peaceful days when the children have all grown up!!
November 27th, 2007 at 7:46 pm
ya…. i totally agree with you… I really don’t want my mum to look after my kids full time after she’s worked so much. She should have the freedom to go visit my bro and hang out with her friends, travel etc… hee but if she really wants, I don’t mind either …
But you’re right, great idea abt teaching your kids to learn to look after their own children.