#trending: Skater dad carries kid while skateboarding in Jurong, earning both fans and critics

SINGAPORE — From doodling on cars together to observing missile parades, it's clear that we all have our own ideas of family bonding — and not all of them can please everyone.

A recent TikTok video of a man carrying a child as he skates around a skate park has earned both praise and criticism from netizens.

Posted on TikTok by user "wikicalisthenics" last Friday (April 7), the video shows the man cradling a toddler as he weaves around the Mini Bowl Pod at the newly opened SkatePark @ Lakeside Garden on his skateboard.

The TikTok user, a passer-by who spotted the duo, called it "super cool and awesome". His video has since amassed 113,500 views and 125 comments.

But soon after the video was posted, netizens began to question how safe the activity was for the child.

"I'm sure he is skilful and knows what to do if he senses danger," read one top comment on the video. "But it's good to have (a) child helmet just for safety purposes in future, just in case."

Many agreed, saying: "It's always fun and games till an accident happens."

However, others defended the skater dad, arguing that he was obviously skilled at skateboarding and "not doing (any) fancy moves".

One mother shared a similar experience with her child, stating: "My husband used to do this with my daughter. As (a) mum, I (was) kind of scared for my girl.

"But (you've) gotta trust the man (because) ain't no daddy gonna hurt their kid."

Several commenters also pointed out that the man is a professional skateboarder who was involved with the National Parks Board (NParks) in designing the skate park itself.

"He’s a trained professional, and he is one of the main people who designed the bowl," wrote one TikTok user. "So if you don't know, just keep (your mouths) shut, you Karens."

According to them, the man coaches at the Skateboarding Academy and is "one of the top skateboarding coaches in Singapore".

Others were touched by how both father and child seemed to enjoy themselves in the unique act of family bonding.

One commenter gushed: "Aww, he looks so happy to share that ride with his kid."

In reply, the original poster shared that the kid had also been happy and "wanted another go at it".

"Father saved on USS (Universal Studios Singapore admission fee)," joked another. "Smart guy."

SkatePark @ Lakeside Garden, the biggest outdoor skate park in Singapore, opened earlier this month. Lakeside Garden is part of Jurong Lake Gardens.

NParks has put up skate park etiquette boards with conditions of use, such as the requirement for safety equipment and recommendations for users. The Mini Bowl Pod, for instance, is meant for beginners and those at the intermediate level.