Cowboy Caleb the liberal arts, grown-up stuff & random mischief

On Being Mean To Kids In Public

This Sunday saw me babysitting my niece (aged 6) and nephew (aged 7) at Marina Square while the wife, sister-in-law and cousin went shopping. Luckily there was this event called “National Science Campaign 2006 - X!periment” going on with lots of fun exhibits for the kids to play with.

They had a stage upfront and this white guy was doing magic tricks to explain quantum physics. The kids absolutely loved him, and I had a good time watching it as well. After that, this young cute chick took the stage and hosted a science quiz. The kids would raise their hands, answer a question and then receive a small prize.

That’s when I was astonished.

The host asked something about what was the fastest thing. This small boy (probably 7 or 8 yrs old) puts up his hand, and walks up to stage and says “Lion”. She gives him this mocking look and says no. Then she totally ignores the poor kid, while he stands there. I wondered why she didn’t at least lead him on to the right answer or just give him a prize anyway for being a brave lad.

The next question she asked was something about what was the oldest thing. Another young boy puts up his hand. This time, she didnt put the mike to his lips so we could hear his answer. Then she said “Errr.. wrong, lucky you neber come up”.

Look, this whole event is supposed to encourage kids to X!periment and learn about science. We do not ignore, mock or make fun of kids for trying. Especially young kids. Because that might totally discourage them.

Ya even though I don’t like kids, but it’s important not to discourage them if not will suffer from horrible self-esteeeem!

So bloody mean!! What you never come up!! Want to die……

What a major faux pas…

Is this event organised by Singapore Science Centre?

The host was definitely inconsiderate in dealing with the young ones.

I have a hard time coaxing kids to speak up in class because they think they must always have the right answers. Each year I spend about at least one term to make them realise that no one will remember their wrong answers and what answers they have given.

The host should have been more tactful in her responses to those kids.

That’s what happens when you give morons a microphone. Sack the jackass.