Opting out of the education arms race – these parents don’t sweat about grades

In Singapore, a society where families often go to great lengths to give their children the best chance of academic success, some parents are choosing a different path. These parents are opting out of the education arms race, putting their children's happiness above academic excellence.

One such parent, Liang May, took her son for a staycation during his study break before taking the PSLE in 2024. Instead of pressuring him to study, she kept him relaxed by engaging in activities like rock climbing, playing games at an arcade, and visiting cafes. Liang's friends often followed a different approach, confiscating devices or limiting play time.

However, Liang encouraged gaming and ensured a good balance between studies and personal time. She did not succumb to the pressure to enroll her children in a prestigious primary school, but instead placed them in a neighborhood school near their home, valuing the diverse friendships and caring teachers they found there.

Another parent, Tang, does not set grade targets for her children. Her focus is on whether they understand what they are learning and put in reasonable effort into their studies. Her son, who will enter Secondary 4, achieved admission into the School of Science and Technology via a direct school admission (DSA) route. Her daughter, who will take the PSLE in 2027, will be chosen a school based on her results and choice of extracurricular activities (CCAs).

For some parents, such as former secondary school teacher Jasmine Sia, investing in their children's future means focusing less on academic results and more on developing life skills, pursuing interests, and building resilience. Her children engage in a variety of activities, including piano lessons, wushu classes, robotics, and soccer, rather than spending time on every possible enrichment class.