Why school stress isn't just for kids

Growing up in Singapore, academic pressure is something that's hard to escape. It's not just the kids who feel it-parents are right there in the thick of it too. From the moment a child starts school, the comparisons begin. How well is your child doing? What school is he or she attending? These questions aren't just casual conversation starters; they're often a subtle way of measuring intelligence and success.

Because of this, many parents start preparing their children for school as early as kindergarten. Tuition classes are the norm, not the exception. Some parents even plan their housing choices around the schools they want their children to attend. It's a system that demands results, and if your child struggles to keep up, the immediate solution is more tuition. Weekends, which should be for rest and play, are often packed with extra lessons.

The tuition culture and its impact

Tuition has become such a huge part of the education system in Singapore that it almost feels mandatory. If your child is a slow learner, tuition is seen as the only way to keep up. Even teachers sometimes assume that students will already have a certain level of knowledge before they even start Primary 1. If they don't, it's up to the parents to ensure they catch up-usually through extra classes.

For many children, this means that their schedules are just as packed as a working adult's. School in the morning, tuition in the afternoon, homework in the evening. Weekends? More tuition. Playtime and relaxation take a backseat to assessments and exam preparation.

The pressure to excel academically starts young, and for many kids, school feels more like a competition than a place of learning.

Changes in the system-but do they help?

The government has recognised the immense stress that students face and has introduced changes to the education system. Mid-year exams have been removed for some levels, replaced with non-weighted bite-sized tests. The idea is to reduce stress and allow children to focus on learning rather than just scoring well in exams.

However, not all parents are convinced. Some worry that without weighted exams, children won't take their studies seriously. If they don't practice under exam conditions, will they be prepared when the real exams come? After all, in Singapore, major exams like the PSLE (Primary School Leaving Examination) still play a crucial role in determining a child's future academic path.

Even with changes to reduce stress, the reality is that academic results still hold a lot of weight in Singapore.

Finding balance in a high-pressure system

At the end of the day, exams are still an important part of education. But so is a child's overall well-being. Kids should have time to enjoy their childhood, to play, to explore, and to develop skills beyond just academics. The challenge is finding a balance.

Parents play a huge role in shaping this balance. While it's natural to want the best for our children, it's also important to recognise that academic success isn't the only measure of a child's potential. The mindset needs to shift-not just within the education system, but within families as well.

Perhaps the next step isn't just about changing school policies, but also about changing how we define success. Because at the end of the day, a happy and well-rounded child is just as important as a straight-A student.