S’poreans Who Grew Up In Low-Income Families Recall Childhood Luxuries In Discussion That's Nostalgic & Will Make You Count Your Blessings

How many of us take everyday luxuries such as having multiple streaming platforms, dining out frequently, or buying any snack we want at the supermarket for granted?

Well, not everyone has that privilege. “Those who grow up [on a] low income in SG, what is a normal thing now that you see in adulthood that was a luxury/abnormal for you growing up?” a Redditor recently asked.

The post has since garnered hundreds of responses from Singaporeans who shared their experiences, which, at the same time, likely served as a reality check for those who’ve never faced such tight times.

One netizen penned: “Having a meal at McDonald’s or fast food regularly.”

Many echoed the same sentiments, sharing that having meals at international brands such as McDonald’s, KFC, and even restaurants like Swensen’s were seen as a privilege, and a “clear step above hawker food” in the past.

Some added that while ordering a drink with every meal was a rare treat in their childhood, even if it is is now routine.

At the same time, some acknowledged that with the rising cost of hawker food, budget-friendly meals at fast-food outlets have become more accessible to the average person. 

On the same topic of food, some said they could only afford canned food, instant noodles or processed items at supermarkets rather than fresh groceries, while others mostly shopped at value-dollar stores.  

One commenter shared: “The sheer amount of expensive fruits my children get to enjoy. Berries, mangoes, grapes. When we were young, it was the cheapest variety of apples and oranges only. When I was lucky we got longans and packham pears.” 

Getting coffee at Starbucks and other chain cafés? That was also something many could only afford once they started working and earning their own income.

There were also those who never had the chance to catch movies in the cinema, and only got to watch local channels on the TV at home. On the rare occasions they did visit the cinema, it was considered a “treat”, with one recalling: “Being allowed to get popcorn would make it the best day ever.”

One netizen also recalled not being able to buy a Casio Baby-G watch, which was all the rage in the late ’90s and early 2000s. While they would have loved to follow the trends like some of their peers, reality made it difficult for them to do so. 

Those who were even less well-off never had the chance to attend tuition, had no choice but to self-medicate when ill, and never experienced overseas holidays in their childhood. Some recalled showering with just a pail and bucket, while others remembered times when their electricity was cut off because their parents couldn’t afford the bills.

“Aircon in the bedrooms means rich. Aircon in the living room is ultra rich. Also getting Yakult delivered to your house. I had to buy my Yakult after saving for 3 days of pocket money at the school tuckshop like a beggar,” one shared. 

According to a few, another luxury often taken for granted today is getting around by car — or even by Grab or taxi — since they could barely afford public transport. 

One wrote:“During childhood, we rarely took taxis , now it’s like we use them for convenience.”

Some ate the same meals every day and never had the chance to own new textbooks or school uniforms. Others couldn’t even afford the prescription glasses they needed and were only able to dine out once a year on special occasions like birthdays or festive gatherings.

Many shared that their kids have it much better now, as they can travel frequently, get the gadgets they need and want, and even choose what they want to eat

All in all, though those who shared their experiences are in a much better place now, they don’t seem to take things for granted and have a very different take on ‘splurging’ compared to those who grew up in average or higher-income households. They appreciate the little things, like the financial freedom to treat themselves to things they want, and take pride in having improved their situation.

As one commenter penned: “This thread is eye opening... I never knew I was ‘privileged’ cos everyone around me seems to have the same experience as I have, if not better.”