{
  "id": 15113209,
  "title": "My husband and I can’t agree on school or tuition for our child. What should I do?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/my-husband-and-i-cant-agree-on-school-or-tuition-for-our-child-what",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-17T04:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times",
    "slug": "straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/my-husband-and-i-cant-agree-on-school-or-tuition-for-our-child-what-should-i-do"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Husband and wife disputes over their child's education and tuition costs may reveal differing parenting philosophies, according to family counselors. A 2026 study by the Institute of Policy Studies in Singapore revealed that 60% of parents reported arguing with their spouses about their children's education, up from 43% in 2016. These disagreements often stem from differing opinions on the best approach to education, with one spouse prioritizing academic success while the other values a more well-rounded education. Other contentious issues include screen time limits and division of parenting duties. The way partners react to disagreements can intensify tension, with one partner correcting the other in a way that leads to unhappiness. Additionally, parental interference in a child's life can spill over into marital conflicts when the other spouse feels the intervention is unhelpful.\n\nExperts suggest using \"I\" statements to express concerns, such as worries about the child's future struggles, and actively listening to the other person's perspective before presenting one's own. Understanding how one's actions impact the other is crucial, as both parents typically desire the best for their children but may have divergent views on how to achieve it. Therapists recommend discussing what each partner hopes for their children, what matters most, and what compromises are possible. They emphasize that couples do not need to have identical parenting styles, but rather, they should be willing to be flexible and support one another. Regularly checking in on each other's emotional well-being and offering support can help maintain a strong relationship despite childcare and household responsibilities taking up considerable time. As children grow into teenagers, parents should gradually encourage independence and adjust their level of involvement accordingly. While it is important for couples to understand each other's values, anxieties, and hopes for their children, they should strive for flexibility rather than insisting on a single \"right\" approach. Children can learn to navigate differences through observing their parents resolve disagreements respectfully, as this can serve as a valuable lesson on handling conflicts within their own relationships.",
  "summary": "The proportion of parents who reported arguing with their spouses over their children’s education rose to 60% from 43% in 2016.",
  "key_points": [
    "60% of parents argue with spouses about children's education, up from 43% in 2016.",
    "Experts recommend using \"I\" statements and active listening to resolve conflicts."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Rising disagreements over educational priorities signal a growing tension between academic achievement and holistic development that requires flexible compromise to prevent marital strain and model healthy conflict resolution.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}