The Myth About The Golden Child

Pamper: to treat or gratify with extreme or excessive indulgence, kindness, or care

Whenever you tell someone you're an only child, most will immediately say, "Oh, you must be really pampered." But the odd thing is, those who often react that way are not the only child in their family. So how do they know?

They don't.

I am the only child in my family and i don't think i am pampered. Well, if pampered means having your parents fund your overseas studies then yes, i am guilty as charged. But that's about where the pampering stops.

Since i was a child, i was brought up to know that the world does not revolve around me and that not everything i say or do is right. I remember playing checkers with my Yeh Yeh and ended up losing. Being the sore loser that i was, i got angry and threw a tantrum. Now, a pampered child would prolly get off scot-free but me? I was scolded for my horrible manners and was sent to my mom's bedroom where i was caned.

Mom made a big fuss when i failed my piano exam. I hated her then for putting me through such torture but now, i see the reason why she was so hurt. She wanted me to earn that certificate so that if my career choice flops, i always have something - teaching piano - to fall back on. Sorry ma.

Fast forward to my life after graduating from university. From the day i touched down in Malaysia, i was not given even a cent to spend on. I was blessed with the comfort of food and a home and if there were any other excess luxuries that i wanted to enjoy, Daddy made sure that it had to come out of my own pocket.

While some get to laze around between their graduation and their first day as a working adult, i could not do so - where else would the money for my night outs and shopping come from? And so i stepped into the working world merely a month or so after my return. Some may cringe at that thought but i am honestly happy that Daddy was strict in that sense. Thanks to him, i know the value of money. And i know that if i want something, i have to do my best to make it happen because nothing is going to come true if i just sit and dream.

Currently, i am looking forward to head back to Australia for a holiday and to hopefully buy a car. And of course, my parents are not offering to get them for me. But that is okay. Because i know that when i succeed in making these two dreams happen, i will be proud of myself, which i am sure, is what my parents want me to feel.

It's funny how you only truly learn to appreciate your parents' efforts when you're older.

I don't say this enough but mom and dad, i love you very much. Thank you for shaping me into the woman i am today. Thank you.