The mobile phone is an effective parenting tool that
makes life easier for parents using the 4P functions.
One,
the Private Investigator (PI) mode can be kicked in by parents ringing their
offspring.
“Where are you now? At the tuition centre? Don’t lie. I know you’re at The Mall,” says the savvy
parent who has activated the Friend Finder service offered by some telcos.
Second,
the Personal Assistant (PA) to the rescue.
“Mum, the bus has broken down. Can you please pick me
from Sunway Lagoon? Didn’t I tell you I was going there?”
Or “Son, I’ll be at school an hour late. The stupid VCR
is KO. Cannot tape Winter Sonata, so
I have to watch it now. What do you mean, skip it? It’s the last episode. I
need to see Bae Yong Chun one last time or I’ll die. Bye!”
Third,
Phone Credit (PC) can be use to teach responsibility to the young ones.
“Dad, my phone credit is running out tomorrow. May I have
50 bucks to top up, please?”
“I though it’s supposed to last you till next month? You’ve
used them all up already? Sorry can’t do.”
“Please let me have the money. I’ll will wash your car,
bathe the dog, polish your shoes, carry your briefcase, make your tea, iron
your underwear, please…”
“That your mother’s job. Talk to her.”
Finally,
the mobile phone can use as a Punishment Tool (PT) to discipline wayward
children.
“How dare you cut school to visit the cybercafé? For that
I have to confiscate your phone for a month.”
“No, Mum, Please! I’ll be good. I’ll massage your
shoulders, cut your nails and paint them, trim your eyebrows, shampoo your
hair, please…”
“That’s your father’s job. Talk to him.
Yup, the mobile is a godsend to parents.
Source: Honk If You’re Malaysian by Lydia Teh.
WHO WILL GO INTERNATIONAL AS
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