How is the system of dicipline in SG playgroups/kindergarten

[robleo]

My 2 yr old is going to a neighborhood playgroup. We usually ask her about school. Last night, we asked who her teacher was and she mentioned : "Teacher (Name)"; Then we asked what did she tell you? She opened her one hand palm and she slapped it with the other one and said "Bad" and started laughing. We suspected her teacher did that.

I personally would think my daughter would have done something like slapping someone which she sometimes does out of her playful intentions. I do not know how to react or should I overreact. Any advice? I am a first time dad and prefer not to spank or hit our kid to punish- at least at her age now. We also realized that doing so (we've tried some soft slapping of the hand) does not work becuase she is too yung to understand). But for the teacher to do such?

[Mad Scientist]

Unlike many Western countries, corporal punishment is a NO-NO in schools , In SG , only the principal , vice-principal and the headmaster has the right to punish the student if all avenues have been exhausted to make the student be responsible for his action and change to a better person.
Having said that, it is very hard to assess your situation if it happens only once. You have to monitor this thru your child behaviour and observe from your own eyes in order to justify your next course of action. There are laws that protect children from abuse in SG .
If there is no proof , it is very hard to justify from the word of a child. I understand your concern, I have kids too(Big Kids now). Take it slow and do not be over react. Give yourself a few weeks and observe

[sundaymorningstaple]

The teacher may have done exactly what your child described. You might want to query your child further. Don't forget, children often don't lie unless the are taught how to lie. The teacher may well slapped her own hand demonstrating that what was done was wrong.

Or, she may have well smacked another child's palm. Be careful you don't stir up a tempest in a teacup base solely on the information of a child.


sms