Kids need clear rules – and so do citizens

Children are confused if rules about how to behave are not made clear or applied inconsistently. — 123rf

One complaint I often hear from parents who drive their kids to primary school: “Aiyo, some of them take so long to drop their kid off. Must get out of car lah, put bag on their back lah, kiss goodbye lah.... Meanwhile, we’re all just waiting in line!”

Welcome to the world of Asian parents, who love their child so much they are willing to hold up a line of cars. In the West, some might call this “helicopter parenting”. Parents who make children the centre of their spotlight attention and care. Pack their bag and lunch in the morning, get their exercise clothes ready, make sure they've not forgotten their homework.