Dear all,
Do read my article that is published in The Malayan
Chronicles today, Thursday 25th May 2017 that has a big outreach and
who is very supportive of my suggestions. Indeed, I analyze the issues/problems
carefully and come up with constructive solutions that can make Singapore a far
better place to study, work and live in.
Critical thinking and the ability to resolve problems & trouble
shoot is what is needed in the civil service and in our society – and activists
play a crucial in this matter. The media
must play a supporting role in giving due recognition to citizens who have a
love for their country. That’s the long
and short of it all!
Have a nice day!
Sincerely,
Raymond Anthony Fernando
Educate parents on child abuse
through teachers-parents meetings
Like many readers and netizens, I was very upset that a young crying
child was beaten by her parents in Jurong West – as described in the report
“Police called in over parents hitting child with cane and tree branch” (The
New Paper, May 20, 2017). It was so pitiful seeing the young girl pleading with
the parents not to beat her. As the mother hit her, the girl tried to snatch
away the cane.
It is natural for parents to want their children to excel in their
studies, but fear of failure should never be instilled in young minds as they
will hate going to school.
Fortunately, the abuse of the young girl was captured on video and the
matter brought to the attention of the police. But what would have happened if
this incident was not highlighted on social media? Will the child have to
suffer in silence?
The good news is that after the police spoke to her, the mother was
remorseful.
Parents need to be mindful that the run-up to examinations often sees
children getting little jittery, and some may fall into what is known as ‘test
anxiety’. The chances of test anxiety can also be increased if the child
already suffers from social anxiety. In this particular incident, the young
girl must have felt all alone.
Parents must be made to understand that abuse of any sort can cause
psychological problems for kids who cannot cope. As long as their kids study
hard, do not neglect their homework and do their best, parents must show
understanding and support.
I believe all schools have regular teachers-parents’ meetings, so this
will be an opportune time to advise parents on disciplining their children in
the right way. Counsellors and the police can also be invited at this platform
to talk on the dangers of child abuse and give proper guidance on bringing out
the best in children.
The Institute of Mental Health (IMH) is already treating young children
who are unable to cope with their studies. Do we really want to increase the
workload at IMH?
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
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