THRICE, she had tried to commit suicide.

The third time, the 40-year-old housewife even wanted to jump from their flat with her two young children.

Her husband, a 49-year-old businessman, managed to grab hold of their children in time. He then called the police for help.

The incident happened in February 2007.

The couple have since divorced but went to court to fight for the custody of their children, aged 7 and 4.

As a result of the woman’s emotional instability, District Judge Sowaran Singh ordered in October that they have joint custody.

But the judge granted care and control of the children to the father.

They will live with him and she can visit them four times a week.

Last month, the woman filed an appeal to ask that she be granted care and control of the children instead.

She also wants to have sole discretion in deciding issues relating to the children’s education, such as what schools to send them to.

The appeal has yet to be heard.

During the custody hearing, the court was told the couple married in May 2001 but the marriage broke down seven years later.

Both husband and wife claimed to be the better parent.

The judge called for a report, which was prepared by an independent child welfare officer from the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports.

The report noted that the father was concerned about his ex-wife’s unstable emotional state as she had mentioned wanting to commit suicide several times during the marriage.

In February 2007, she turned aggressive after a quarrel and threatened to jump from their flat with the children.

The police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force were called. The woman was so agitated that she had to be handcuffed and taken to the police station, where she was locked up for the night.

She received a warning from the police for her attempted suicide.

In that month, her husband also had to bail her out after she was caught stealing.

She was later charged in court and fined $400 for the offence.

In the report tendered to the court, the child welfare officer suggested that the woman should continue to receive counselling on parenting and learn how to manage their children’s misbehaviour.

Court documents stated that she had used such objects as a belt, a bamboo tube and toys to beat them.

Her discipline methods were harsh, causing them to suffer redness and cane marks which lasted for a few days.

She was referred to the Institute of Mental Health in 2007 and given medication. She was also given a follow-up appointment, but failed to turn up.

The father was concerned about letting her have overnight access to the children in view of her emotional state and negative impact on them.

He said he has a maid to help him take care of the children.

His two sisters-in-law, who are housewives and are living near his home, would also be able to help keep an eye on them.

The mother, a Singapore permanent resident, told the court that she intends to take up citizenship. She is now working as a part-time property agent.

After speaking to both parents, Judge Singh decided to give the father care and control of the children.

The arrangement will be reviewed after six months.