Walao eh, I seriously cannot brain some people. Today around 5-plus PM, I was waiting at the traffic light junction near the MRT station. Peak hour, traffic was super heavy, cars rushing left and right.
Then I see this domestic helper crossing the road with a small kid—looks about 4 years old, maximum 5. Normal right? Singapore daily life. But when I looked closer, my jaw literally dropped.
THE KID WAS HOLDING HER PINKY FINGER. NOT THE OTHER WAY ROUND.
I am not even joking. The helper was just casually strolling, swinging her hand, and this tiny human was clinging onto her pinky finger like it’s some playground ride and the other hand was handphone. She wasn’t even holding the kid’s hand! She didn’t grip his wrist, she didn’t hold his palm, nothing. Just letting the kid anchor himself to ONE tiny finger.
Imagine if the kid suddenly got startled by a loud car horn? Imagine if he saw a stray cat across the road, let go, and just bolted? A 4-year-old has zero impulse control, okay! If he lets go and runs, he is gone. The helper wouldn’t even have time to react because she has absolutely zero physical leverage or grip on him. By the time she realizes her pinky feels lighter, the kid would already be in the middle of the oncoming lane and also she is playing the phone.
I wanted to shout and tell her off, but the light turned green and the crowd just pushed everyone forward. But honestly, this is so bloody irresponsible.
And don’t get me started on the parents. You employ help to look after your most precious asset, but do you even brief them on basic road safety? Or maybe the parents themselves cross the road like that, so the helper thinks it’s normal?
Road safety in Singapore is getting worse, drivers are getting more impatient, and yet people are crossing the road like they have nine lives. Please lah, if you have kids or if you manage helpers who look after kids, enforce this basic rule: GRIP THE WRIST OR HOLD THE PALM TIGHTLY. Don’t treat road crossing like a romantic walk in the park holding pinkies. One mistake and it’s a lifetime of regret.
End of rant. Real life jump scare today.