There were so many prominent business leaders and luminaries yet they selflessly give of their time in voluntary work. See the photo above? So many cool people. Coincidentally, one is my ex-classmate, one an ex-neighbour, and one a cousin-in-law. And me? Maybe I should give myself a title – CEO of the Wee kids (after all, we are almost a SME). Then at least it would seem like I have achieved something.
Brahm Centre published a book The day the ball didn’t bounce written by Dr Peter Mack, with a forward by our 6th President, S.R. Nathan. I read it in one sitting and it really tore at my heart. It tells the true story of a 16-year old boy who committed suicide last year. It troubles me that a child or teen would even contemplate wanting to end his or her life. According to statistics, 20% of primary school children in Singapore have harboured suicidal thoughts. That is simply alarming.
A secondary 4 girl in #2’s school committed suicide last year. The principal gave instructions that the students are not to talk about it at all. Will hushing it up and hiding from it help? Perhaps it was out of respect for the family. But as a society don’t we need to talk about it? We need to have our kids know that they can turn to someone for support, that problems can be worked through. In many cases, such as the one highlighted in the book, the cause of suicide is unknown. Could it be due to the academic stress of the ‘O’ levels? Could it be relationship problems? Could it have anything to do with the family?
Are we taking the easy way out by blaming the competitive system? Are our hands really tied? As parents, we do have more control than we think. If our child came back with 60 marks, we can choose one of two responses: “Why so bad? Your cousin always gets above 80. You are such a disappointment. So useless!” or “That’s an improvement over your last exam. I can see that your effort has paid off. Well done!”
If we choose the former, what are we inadvertently telling our kids? That their self-worth is linked to a grade on a piece of paper? That we love them only based on their achievements? It is no wonder many children grow up with such hurt, bitterness, and a sense of worthlessness. And many become adults who are searching for ways to fill that emotional void as they never had a sense of security for being good enough just as they are. There is such a delicate line between wanting to motivate them by pushing them harder, and breaking their spirit with harsh words.
My heart aches for the children of this generation. Many may look rich with materialism but are poor and broken inside. For every child who unfortunately succeeds in committing suicide, there are more who attempted suicide but did not succeed. Something has gone wrong. What can we do? How can we stop their pain?
I was really impressed at his rise to fame, so during the Q & A, I asked him what was the 1 thing which contributed to his success. I’m sure there are a lot of other mindfulness speakers out there, so how did he get to be where he is today?
His answer was “Luck”. I was taken aback, but he went on to explain. Behind his “luck” are 3 important factors.
Charity Begins at Home:
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Save tip: We were each given a copy of The day the ball didn’t bounce at the charity dinner. As President Nathan wrote in the forward,
I have 3 copies with me which I am happy to give away. Just leave a comment here or on my FB page with your email so that I can contact you if the book is yours. If there are more than 3 readers, I’ll get Kate to pick 3 names randomly. The book can also be purchased from Brahm Centre (free with a $10 donation).
This August, the talks lined up at Brahm Centre includes topics such as ‘Laughter and Happy Living’, ‘Back pain – When is it serious?’, and ‘”Pa and Ma, I love you!” How to Engage our elderly loved ones meaningfully’. Hop over to their website for the dates and times. Admission is free.
If you are looking to do some meaningful volunteer work, why not consider their Youth Program (coaching, skills training, leading activities), Virtual Hospital Program (befriending, cooking, coordinating) or if you have expertise in such areas, you could give a talk on various happiness or health topics. Just fill in their online form.
Life Lesson #8: Teach our children compassion by little actions
Life Lesson #9: What have we done to our children
Life Lesson #10: Why we went on holiday just before the PSLE
Life Lesson #11: What must kids do for us to stop pushing them over the edge
Life Lesson #13: Confronting death teaches you about life
Life Lesson #14: To measure our lives in love
Life Lesson #15: The day they fly
Life Lesson #16: Do our kids even know we love them
Life Lesson #17: What are we worth, mums
Life Lesson #18: What do you do when you get sick of parenting
Life Lesson #19: The tragedy of our society
Life Lesson #20: Will you teach your girls to find a rich husband
Life Lesson #21: Are we slowly killing ourselves
Life Lesson #22: What does it take to keep a marriage going
After reading your blog, I fully agree that Charity Begins at Home… and I have share it at FB too…
Is glad that you are going to give away the 3 books. I am interested to have one…
Would be interested to have one. Will either pass it on after reading or have you pass to another reader who's interested. Thanks.
Hi Jen,
Yes, we can all make a difference! Thanks for sharing it 🙂 Oops, I should have mentioned to please leave your email so I can contact you if you get the book.
Hi Michelle,
That's a great idea. We can all help to spread the word. Please leave your email so that I can contact you 🙂
Thanks for sharing! The book sounds interesting, and I think it would be a good read for us as parents.
Adeline / growingwiththetans@gmail.com
Yes, it is very informative. Thanks for leaving your email!
hi would like to have one of the book as well and pass on and donate to the library once 8'm done reading.
thanks.
Adelene
adelene@yahoo.com.sg
Hi Adelene,
Oops, we've past 3 readers 🙂 will have to do balloting.. but chances better than the p1 registration I hope 😉
Hi Michelle,
Hope to have a chance to win a copy of this book to better prepare myself for the future when I'm a Dad. 🙂
Cheers
Qin Liang
lim.qinliang@gmail.com
Hi Qin Liang,
Wow, you will definitely make a great dad! Applaud your effort 🙂
There are 5 of you who requested for the book so Kate drew lots for 3 names. (Picture of her drawing lots on our Facebook page)
And the 3 names are…
1) Michelle
2) Adeline
3) Adelene
Congrats! I will email you for your address shortly.
Have a great day 🙂
Special Thanks to Kate for balloting me! 😉
Hi, I pm you on Facebook. Thank you so much!
I'll tell her that 😉
Hope we can all do our part and spread the awareness on suicide prevention amongst our youths and children.
Great, thank you!
Hi Adelene,
There seems to be a problem with your email address. Can you please send me your address to mummyweedotcom@gmail.com
Thanks!