Introduction

In Singapore, a young woman’s candid revelation on social media has captured widespread attention, stirring a wave of sympathy and concern. She reported that her mother's financial expectations are startling, especially given her extremely frugal upbringing.

Frustration and Childhood Segregation

In a post shared on the Reddit forum r/SGexams, she expressed profound frustration, stating, “My mum only gave birth to me for money.” Throughout her childhood, she experienced severe restrictions on her finances, leaving her undernourished and socially isolated.

Restricted Allowance

As an example, during her primary and secondary school years, her mother provided her with only $10 each week for pocket money, which she was required to return by the week's end, leaving her with nothing for weekends or holidays. Her meals were restricted as well; often, all she could afford was bread or sharing minimal portions of rice. Essential school supplies were denied to her on several occasions, leading to embarrassing moments at school when she couldn't participate in classes requiring materials.

Continued Financial Control in Polytechnic

The situation didn’t improve as she entered polytechnic; her weekly allowance was only $25, and yet again it was effectively taken back, as she was made to ration her meals to the bare minimum. In instances where her father attempted to support her with food, her mother would react angrily, demanding repayment as if it were a debt.

Internship Burdens

Upon starting her internship, she faced similar burdens—with her mother claiming every cent of her earnings and demanding additional 'award money' from competitions or gifts that she received. This controlling pattern extended into her education, with her mother expected her to pay for her university costs herself, all while living in a household where her financial independence was constantly undermined.

Pressure to Choose a Career

Despite the apparent emotional toll, the young woman shared that her mother was insistent about her choosing a degree in Information Technology, a field in which she had no interest, effectively prioritizing financial gain over her daughter’s well-being. Post-graduation, her mother demands a staggering $500 monthly allowance from her, reinforcing that her only value lies in her ability to earn money.

Seeking Support

Feeling the weight of this emotional abuse, she has sought counseling, albeit privately, as her mother misconstrued the situation to her friends, claiming she sent her for social improvement rather than addressing the trauma she caused.

Comparison with Her Brother

The young woman's plight is compounded by the noticeably different treatment her older brother receives. Describing her brother’s lack of financial responsibility and her mother's indulgent behavior, she highlights the inequality within their family dynamic. 'His life is totally different from mine. He leeches off my mother till he’s 30,' she noted.

Public Reaction and Advice

As this story circulated on social media, many Reddit users expressed deep sympathy and support, insisting that no child should endure such hardships from their parents. Several commenters urged her to consider moving out as soon as she graduates, emphasizing the importance of establishing her financial independence.

Cultural Context

Furthermore, many discussions arose around the common practice in Singapore where children typically contribute $300-$500 monthly to their parents. A recent survey by The Straits Times revealed that 75% of Singaporeans give their parents a monthly allowance, but for some, juggling stringent financial circumstances makes this challenging.

Expert Insights

Experts, such as family life specialist Susan Koh, encourage open discussions about financial responsibilities and realistic expectations between children and parents to ensure a healthy family relationship.

Conclusion

This striking narrative sheds light on the complex dynamics of financial dependence and emotional manipulation within families, prompting critical conversations about parental responsibilities and the treatment of children in their care.