YESTERDAY'S article ("Growing market for kids' spas in US raises concerns") makes me wonder if some parents are going overboard in mollycoddling their children.
In the United States, it appears that a growing number of children - even those as young as three years old - have their own dedicated spas, and this trend of children enjoying spa treatments regularly seems to be burgeoning in Singapore as well.
Some parents feel there is nothing wrong in indulging their children in this way. In fact, they think it helps instil an awareness of good grooming in them from a young age, and allows their young ones to "de-stress" when the demands of school prove too much.
I do not see how spas can, in the words of International Spa Association president Lynne McNees, provide "young people with the tools to more effectively manage stress and live a more healthy lifestyle".
At this young age, children should be taught more constructive life skills in coping with pressure, such as time management, drawing up a list of priorities and engaging in physical activities to unwind and boost their fitness.
There is something implicitly amiss when children are introduced to what I feel are "age-inappropriate pursuits". If they are exposed to spas in their childhood, what more novel experiences can they expect to savour when they grow up?
I worry that they would become blase or world-weary when they are young adults. Such ennui can lead to depression and a host of other problems, especially if young people have not been taught to be self-reliant and to delay gratification.
By all means, parents should indulge their children if they can afford it. However, this must be done in moderation and for the right reasons.
Marietta Koh (Mrs)
In the United States, it appears that a growing number of children - even those as young as three years old - have their own dedicated spas, and this trend of children enjoying spa treatments regularly seems to be burgeoning in Singapore as well.
Some parents feel there is nothing wrong in indulging their children in this way. In fact, they think it helps instil an awareness of good grooming in them from a young age, and allows their young ones to "de-stress" when the demands of school prove too much.
I do not see how spas can, in the words of International Spa Association president Lynne McNees, provide "young people with the tools to more effectively manage stress and live a more healthy lifestyle".
At this young age, children should be taught more constructive life skills in coping with pressure, such as time management, drawing up a list of priorities and engaging in physical activities to unwind and boost their fitness.
There is something implicitly amiss when children are introduced to what I feel are "age-inappropriate pursuits". If they are exposed to spas in their childhood, what more novel experiences can they expect to savour when they grow up?
I worry that they would become blase or world-weary when they are young adults. Such ennui can lead to depression and a host of other problems, especially if young people have not been taught to be self-reliant and to delay gratification.
By all means, parents should indulge their children if they can afford it. However, this must be done in moderation and for the right reasons.
Marietta Koh (Mrs)
