i was on the bus just now and this mom was telling her daughter, 'ee garlic bread, you better brush your teeth after you eat ah otherwise tonight you sleep sure explode'

and i was thinking, whaaaat. no wonder as we grow up we all have our own versions of stories. like must sleep before 12am otherwise momok come and catch you, cannot bath in hot water for too long otherwise your skin will start peeling off (my dad used that one on me, totally worked), etc.

next time if i have a child im so determined to tell them the truth behind everything.

'if you keep bathing in hot water for so long mummy wont be able to pay the stupid electricity and water bills then we all have to move out and live on the streets and all your friends are going to laugh at you.'

'if you dont brush your teeth before you sleep next time all your teeth rot before youre 16 then no guy want to kiss you'

'if you dont eat your veges, actually nothing will happen to you la. i grew up just fine.'

'if you dont sleep before 12am you better be doing something useful with your life'

you get my drift.