Singapore is known for its world-class education system; it’s one of the best in Asia. But it is also one of the most stressful.
Surveys show that while students boasted high scores in academic performance, they did not do so well in possibly the more important thing: happiness.
With the country’s highly competitive environment, high pressure from parents and society, and the extreme focus on exams, are these statistics really that surprising?
At the very top of that list is something that all school-going children dread: afterschool tuition.
But is tuition really helping — or are we just piling more stress onto already tired kids?
It’s time we sat down for a real talk. Not the kind with model answers and assessment books — the kind with honesty, heart, and maybe a little hard truth.
Burnt Out Before Bedtime
Let’s be real: tuition can be helpful. Some kids need extra support to understand tricky subjects or boost their confidence.
A good tutor can explain things in a way that finally clicks.
But when tuition turns into an endless loop of extra lessons every day of the week? That’s where things get murky.
Are we supporting our kids or just giving them a second full-time job?
Imagine coming home from school, only to dive straight into another two hours of worksheets. It’s like going to work, then coming home for more work.
It’s almost as if you’re preparing them for the corporate hell of unpaid overtime and long hours at the office.
Childhood is meant to be filled with curiosity, creativity and play. But in Singapore, many kids are juggling school, tuition, enrichment classes, and mountains of homework.
The result? Burnout. And yes, kids can experience it too.
Stress in young bodies can show up in quiet ways — constant fatigue, tummy aches, mood swings, or trouble sleeping. Over time, this can affect not just academic performance but also mental health and self-esteem.
If your child is dragging their feet to class or dreading lessons they once enjoyed, it might be a sign they’re doing too much.
The Kiasu Trap
Here’s a tough one. Some parents sign their kids up for tuition not because they need help, but because other kids are doing it.
It’s the classic ‘kiasu’ mindset — the fear of losing out. But when everyone’s running a race nobody wants to be in, who really wins?
Tuition isn’t cheap. Parents spend hundreds (sometimes thousands!) every month, hoping it’ll give their child a leg up.
Is it a wonder then why private tuition is a billion-dollar industry in Singapore? A factory run by a potent and self-replenishing fuel: the fear and desperation of parents.
Tuition centres prey on vulnerable parents who want their children to succeed academically at all costs. And in a country where academic performance is life or death, it’s basically a cash cow.
But let’s ask the more important question: Is it actually working?
Sometimes, yes. A struggling student might improve with a patient, skilled tutor. But sometimes, tuition is just more of the same — drilling exam techniques that kids already hear in school.
And if your child already does well, extra lessons might not bring much added value.
So, are we investing in learning or just buying peace of mind in a competitive system?
What Kids Really Need
Education is important, no one’s denying that. But education is not just about homework, school, exams and tuition.
It’s social intelligence and emotional regulation and self-knowledge. It’s understanding of your place in the world and how to navigate its various challenges.
One day your child will be out of school, thrust into the real world. And remember, the real world isn’t like it is in school with its strict rules and neat timetables. The real world is messy and it’s time you prepared your child to face that head on.
The first part is not making academic performance their entire childhood. Take a look now at your own life, my fellow parents.
As adults, are you still being graded for exams?
If you teach your kids to put their entire value and self-worth into their test scores, they may spend their entire lives looking to prove themselves to others.
Let’s take a moment to remember what children actually need to thrive.
- Rest and Play: Not ‘wasted time’ — but vital for brain development, emotional regulation, and creativity.
- Time with Family: Unstructured bonding moments — dinner chats, silly games, bedtime stories — these build emotional strength.
- A Sense of Autonomy: Let your child have a say in their schedule. Learning to manage time and balance activities is a life skill.
Smarter, Not Harder
We’re not saying tuition is evil. But if your child’s day is packed tighter than a sardine can, it might be time to pause and rethink.
Ask yourself:
- Does my child truly need tuition for this subject?
- Are they showing signs of stress or burnout?
- Am I sacrificing my child’s childhood for better grades?
Every child is different. What works for one might not work for another.
But one thing’s for sure — learning doesn’t only happen in classrooms or tuition centres. It happens in conversations, in play, and in the small moments we often rush past.
So, let’s stop chasing ‘top of the class’ at all costs.
Let’s aim for healthy, happy learners — because that’s where real success begins.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Mamahood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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