This is not the first time I compared the lives of kids in both countries. I ought to shut up sometimes. First, there is no purpose in comparing. Secondly, it is pointless to compare. Third, nothing can come out from the comparison. It all meant the same thing: So, compare for -f-?
We are still comparing tonight regardless. Why? Because it's fun and it's another national habit of Singaporeans - comparing. So here goes.
We know very well how kids are being brought up in Singapore these days. They watch videos such as Dora the Explorer, Thomas the Train, The Stupid Purple Dinosaur and stuff.
"Did your child watch any of these?"
(Without you answering) "I think so too!" (That's what Dora does)
And then they play on iphones and ipads for games, music and cheesy videos. Before long, they'll hit the computer and lap tops. Fortunately these days, there is a large variety of games to catch children's attention. Children can learn a farm operates by playing "Harvest Moon" or "Farmville". They could play "Civilisation" to learn a bit of history and the links between technologies. You get the drift.
It's not a bad thing. Kids in Singapore don't think chickens grow on trees or anymore. They can identify plants and even exotic animals with an expert click of the mouse. It's cheaper, better and faster this way. Plus, they do not get dirty(Noooo!), scratched(Nieewwwwww!) or petrified (Mother of God!!). In case you don't know, those sounds are from the parents.
This may be unfair generalising. The same goes for kids at the Australia side. There are bound to be children that are cocoon-wrapped (or molly-cuddled, if you like what the PAP calls it) but I don't see that many. I'm being as objective as I can. I don't have conclusive data of course, these are just my observations and opinions.
Obviously Eugene's kids do not represent all Australian kids. I'll say it first just in case a smart alec put this in the comment. What's obvious instead, I can only take photographs of them comfortably without the risk of being socked in the nose.
It isn't about doing the deed that caught my attention. When Erwin was told to harvest corn cobs in the garden, he went cheerfully and took it as a challenge instead of a chore. Then he huffed and puffed with it but his mother did not bat an eyelid. Even when he cried for help, his mum simply told him to think of a way himself. Hmmmmmm. A difference learning experience for the child. He had the chance and a lot more time to explore instead of being told the answer quickly.
Phoenix, the daugher was harvesting sunflower seeds from their flowers today. She did everything herself without the help of her parents as well. When I heard Phoenix chid her mum for eating the seeds while she plucked, I laughed.
I noticed the difference in general between kids of both countries:
Kids in Australia
1) They are (a lot) more patient.
2) They are more confident and expressive.
3) They can do a lot of chores and work at a very young age!
4) They learn by exploration.
Kids in Singapore
1) They are more knowledgeable.
2) They mature faster.
3) They are better with technology
4) They learn by methods.
As a Sua-Ku Singaporean, I humbly learnt my bit of planting knowledge from Sandy from that day.
1) The stem of the corn can be chewed like sugarcane. It's not as sweet but it does have some juice.
2) Seeds of some plants harvested from flowers have to be dried well before planting for a higher spouting chance.
3) When the 'fur' of the corn cob starts to dry, it's time to harvest. Wait no longer.
4) You can be self sufficient (veg wise) with just a small backyard garden if you are experienced enough.
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| He tugs |
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| and he tugs |
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| Harvested corn cobs, the little boy's effort |
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| Tasting the 'stem' of his labour |
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| Phoenix eventually plucked all seeds without help from her mum |
Harvest Moon! That certainly reminds me how I learn farming in a cool and relax way. no sweat :P
ReplyDeletewow cool~! the little boy is cute..
ReplyDeleteand it's really cool to do some farming in ur own backyard..
sth sg kids seldom get to experience..
and super agree with the title of this post.. haha..
-Julia
@Lionel Liew: Believe it, the sweaty game is more fun :)
ReplyDelete@Julia: what they do by themselves really shocked me. Today the little girl cycled to the park herself. Gotta cross roads and all those. omg?!
hahahaha.....singapore child dont know many things....they dont even know water melen grow on tree or what hahaha
ReplyDeleteah pooh
Singapore kids mature faster? Most of the Aussie kids I've met are far more mature. A 15 year old can converse on the same level as a 30 year old. Perhaps I need to mix around more with SG kids :)
ReplyDelete