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While Anya cosily napped in her pram this afternoon, I enjoyed my Saturday newspaper, with a glass of ‘Teh-Peng’ (Tea + Ice + Sugar + LOTS of milk) at one of my favorite eating corners near Bugis called ‘Yu Kee’.

Oh I tell you … their Teh-Peng is NICE! Rather heavy on the milk and I guess it’s a tinge too sweet for many. But I love it! Hehe. And oh, the Katong Laksa there is also VERY yummy!!

Anyway, today I read about Lee Kuan Yew and his advice to young politicians. He said, ‘Don’t promise something that you can’t deliver.’

And I agree.

That’s something that we all should live by too. And if you’re a parent, it’s even more applicable.

People often are tempted to throw ‘empty promises’ to children, just to get them to behave, finish up their meals quickly, go to bed, etc.

Stuff like: ‘Quick, finish your meal, and I’ll buy you a new toy later at the supermarket.’ Or worse, ‘Stop crying! Or the police will come and take you away!’

Because young kids are naive and innocent, they’d practically believe EVERYTHING that we adults tell them. And so, when they eventually learn that what’s being promised is not delivered, they slowly grow and become people who tend to be sceptical about everything. Unable to trust others.

Personally, I consciously remind myself to NOT ever say anything to kids (or anyone in that matter) that’s not true. As a parent to a toddler, I know my role. To Anya, I’m her source of information and truth. What I say matters to her. My reaction to everything is always observed and recorded in her mind. And so, how could I not learn to always be responsible and careful about what I say, do and think?

Having a kid definitely helps shape your character and mind.