Charlyn Lin Says She Doesn’t Believe In Physical Punishment; Has Never Hit Her 11-Year-Old Son

Local host Charlyn Lin, 44, and her son Caleb Tang, 11, were Darren Lim’s special guests on the recent episode of A Night Under The Stars.

Darren and his 12-year-old son, Way, took Charlyn and Caleb on a tour around Pulau Ubin, a place mother and son say they've never been before. 

Besides camping, cycling and getting to know more about the island, Charlyn and Darren also took the time to sit down and chat about her childhood, which ultimately shaped her parenting style.

Charlyn got her start in showbiz after winning Mediacorp talent search Superhost in 2005

After winning Mediacorp talent search Superhost in 2005, Charlyn went on to helm a slew of programmes, including Superband (2006) and Going Home (2010).

The bilingual host got hitched to personal trainer Alfred Tang in 2009, and they have two sons together: Caleb, 11, and Cayvus, six.

Charlyn, who said she's often mistaken for a “tiger mum”, went on to reveal  her thoughts on being a kid in this day and age.

“I think times are really tough for kids," said Charlyn. "On top of being good at their schoolwork, they’re expected to be good in sports too. They also have to be well-rounded with a high EQ. I’m not even sure if I can do that myself.”

When Darren commented that Charlyn and Caleb behaved more like friends  and expressed his envy at how close they are, Charlyn added that she never feel like she has wasted her time whenever she spends it with her kids.

The mum-of-two shares a close bond with her sons

So what kind of mother is she? “I think I’m a highly creative mother," said Charlyn. "I’m Caleb’s full-time teacher. Every single subject and his personal conduct, I take responsibility for it.”

She went on to explain that although she takes being a mum very seriously, she thoroughly enjoys the experience too. She also wants her kids to enjoy having her as a parent.

“I don’t believe in physical punishment. Although I received that as a child, I hope they won’t have to go through the same as they grow up. I’ve never hit Caleb before, but I have hit his brother,” she continued.

Charlyn then clarified that Cayvus is also incredibly well-behaved, but she hit him that time as she was grieving the loss of a loved one and was having trouble coping emotionally. 

She still misses her aunt dearly to this day

Charlyn revealed that her mum placed a lot of focus on her career and as such, she was brought up by her late aunt.

“My aunt is incredibly kind. Every time I talk about her, I miss her so much. She doted on me so much and I don’t think I have reached the level of kindness and love that she showed me. I only hope to provide the same for my children now,” she said, as tears welled up in her eyes.

Photos: meWATCH, Charlyn Lin/ Instagram

You can catch A Night Under The Stars on meWATCH to watch how Caleb and Way got along during their camping adventure, or watch the episode below.

A Night Under The Stars also airs every Wednesday at 8pm on Ch 8.