A Shocking Demand

In a heartbreaking revelation shared on social media, a young woman from Singapore has exposed the shocking demands of her mother, who raised her under strict financial constraints. Despite her mother's frugality throughout her childhood, she now expects her daughter to provide a $500 monthly allowance once she graduates from university.

Childhood Hardships

The woman took to the Reddit forum r/SGexams to detail her harrowing experience, explaining, “My mum only gave birth to me for money. She was so frugal that I was left extremely underweight with no social life.” The account of her childhood reflects a troubling dynamic, where her mother controlled even the smallest aspects of her finances. Weekly pocket money during her primary and secondary school years was limited to just $10, which was promptly reclaimed by her mother by the week's end, leaving her with nothing for weekends or holidays.

Frugality and Control

Her meager meals consisted primarily of bread, and her mother would deny her funds for essential school supplies, even when faced with potential scolding at school. The situation remained dire throughout her time in polytechnic, where her weekly allowance increased slightly to $25, yet her mother would still take it back. The woman recalls an incident where she was forced to choose between a burger and a complete meal, with her mother scolding her for spending "too much" on food.

Financial Burdens

The mother's tight grip on finances didn't stop when her daughter began to earn money through internships, where she was expected to give her entire earnings to her mother, along with any monetary gifts from friends. The financial burden escalated to the point where despite having zero balance in her account, her mother demanded she pay for her own education, move out by the age of 35, and contribute a monthly allowance after graduation.

Academic Pressure

This immense pressure extended into her academic choices, as her mother insisted she pursue a degree in IT, a field the young woman did not express any interest in. Her mother blatantly stated that education was simply a means to secure high earnings post-graduation, showcasing a focus on financial gain over personal fulfillment.

Emotional Toll

The emotional toll of her mother's demands has led the young woman to seek counseling, which her mother misrepresented to friends as an effort to improve her social skills. Tragically, her older brother appears to receive preferential treatment, enjoying financial support and being excused from the pressures faced by his sister.

Public Response

The post sparked a wave of sympathy among Reddit users, who expressed outrage at the mother's treatment and offered encouragement for the young woman to break free from such a toxic environment. Comments ranged from advising her to move out post-graduation to suggestions of documenting her experiences, should her mother take legal action regarding her expected allowance.

Cultural Context

Interestingly, a recent survey indicates that many Singaporean children contribute financially to their parents. In 2023, approximately 75% of Singaporean respondents reported they offer a monthly allowance averaging between $300 and $500. However, this young woman's experience raises questions about the expectations placed on children, especially when financial demands are coupled with emotional manipulation.

Expert Insights

Family life expert Susan Koh emphasizes the importance of open discussions regarding financial arrangements within families. She encourages those facing financial challenges to communicate clearly with their parents rather than succumb to unrealistic expectations.

Conclusion

In a society that often prioritizes financial support to parents, this young woman's story serves as a reminder that emotional well-being and healthy boundaries are equally important for a nurturing home environment.