Today, I gave an idiotic parent a piece of my mind.
I was on the train when this mom, her maid and her boy (estimated 2-3 years) boarded the train and sat beside me. Immediately after they sat down, the maid whipped out a stick of fishballs and nuggets from Old Chang Kee for the boy to eat. I struggled within if I should say something. But my big mouth blabbered before my mind could decide... I told the maid (since she was the one who offered the food, although I know it is the Ma'am who is at fault), that she shouldn't feed the child in the train as eating is not allowed. I pointed to the "No Eating" sign. The maid naturally looked at the Ma'am. The Mom who was busily smsing took a look at me and said, "Aiyah, nevermind lah. Little children hungry what!" To the onlookers, I must have seem like some child-bully, depriving a kid of his fishballs and nuggest... how terrible.
But I stood my ground. I pointed to the sign and repeated what I said. The Mom also refused to back down and raised her voice saying something to the effect that I should mind my own business. Well,... since a challenge has been issued. I can't possibly decline a good fight, esp. with rude parents. I told her in a very firm (but not impolite) voice that what she is doing is that she is setting a bad example for the child. That she is teaching the child that rules and even laws can be disregarded and broken. I asked her how she would expect her child to behave responsibly in future when she has clearly sent the message that being irresponsible is okay. Then I ended saying, "Look, your child is already observing you now... and your helper too. You think they will respect your houserules in future?"
I think she was embarrassed and scolded the maid for giving food to the kid. I felt sorry for the maid.
Had the child been very young and do not understand what are rules and law, I wouldn't have said a peep. But this child is in preschool uniform and is clearly of the age when he can be made to understand rules and consequences. I hope this kid will not grow up to be one of the many disturbing, selfish teens who litter and spit in public places without shame.
And yes, I was extremely proud of myself..., I will admit unabashed that it was very 'shiok' feeling.
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3 comments:
Oh I'm so proud of you too! Applause! Applause! :) I wish more people would have the moral courage to educate these people. I bet the child would remember this episode for life ;)
I guess we're one of the few countries who prohibit eating on board. Why? Thks to the bo zi dong people who will dirty the place after eating. I guess we still have a long way to go before reaching to that state...or will we ever?
Hmmm... with the influx of "foreign talents" and fusion of our varied "cultures", I doubt we will ever have that level of social grace or consciousness.
Yes! You did the right thing. The mother should be totally ashamed of herself! Yes, poor maid. :P
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