Serious question lah. Every day I go fetch my 4-year-old from childcare, I see the same damn thing: a bright, glowing vending machine placed right beside the entrance. And what is inside?
- Pokka Green Tea (the super sweet version)
- Milo canned drink (sugar bomb)
- Coca-Cola / Sprite
- Potato chips & chocolate bars
- Ice Cream
Every single afternoon without fail, the moment the kids step out of the center, they spot the machine. Then the drama starts.
“Papa, I want Ice Cream“ “Mama, buy the chips please!”
If you say no, full-blown meltdown on the spot. If you say yes, you are feeding your kid pure sugar right before dinner. Why like that? Is there no regulation or common sense when placing these machines?
We keep talking about “War on Diabetes” in Singapore, Nutri-Grade labels everywhere, school canteens follow strict health guidelines, but the moment the kid steps OUT of childcare, BOOM—vending machine temptation right at eye level.
I know some people will say, “Eh, parent’s job to discipline what, don’t buy can already.” Bro, try dealing with a tired, hungry toddler after a whole day of school while you yourself just finished a 9-hour workday. Your willpower is already zero. Why make parents’ lives harder by putting the temptation right at the gate?
Can’t the operators stock better things?
- Plain mineral water / unsweetened soy milk
- Nutri-Grade A or B sugar-free beverages
- Dried fruit, roasted nuts, or whole-grain crackers
Or better yet, why need a vending machine right outside a daycare in the first place? Town Council / HDB need to check who approves these rental spaces. It’s like putting a casino outside a rehab center.
Anyone else facing this daily battle at your block’s void deck childcare? Or am I the only parent here getting triggered by a vending machine?