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General Parenting

Newbies & Clubs

New here? Say hi and introduce yourself! Want to start your own club or interest group? You’re welcome to create one too.

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Hi all, this is from the KiasuParents Team: we’re not banning or deleting advertiser posts, unless it’s really obvious that someone is posing as a parent but spinning a story to drop a link to their business. In fact, as parents, we would rather have business owners chat with us authentically, letting us know what the value proposition is, and answering our questions.

Recess Time

Take a break and chat about anything under the sun — or share your ideas on how we can improve KiasuParents.com.

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@rinsider said: So what kind of mixed signal is he sending to his son? “Daddy is outraged as the teacher could have expressed it better, therefore daddy had to redeem himself against this remark… I’m not just a Grab driver…” Under any circumstances, for someone to make a remark like “they’re just an XYZ,” it doesn’t reflect well on them. And if we’re on the receiving end of that statement, I guess defensiveness is one of the natural responses. Eg stay-home/wfh/freelancer moms may be triggered if someone says they’re “just staying home,” or implies that they’re not productive, or even just “bumming around.” (Tbh, even friends/very decent people have made those kinds of statements to me before, and I could be just as guilty of saying something that reveals my own bias.) The response might then be to try and qualify one’s value. So… in that sense, I don’t really blame the dad for sending those mixed signals. One could also say, “Yes, this is what I do, and I like it/am proud of my work.” But I suspect we’re all a little more complicated than that!

Working With Your Child

There’s no manual for parenting — especially in the early years up to age 12. Talk about what’s working (or not), and support one another through your child’s emotional and learning journey.

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@rinsider said: Besides tuition, how do parents nowadays try to incorporate Chinese into their kids’ lives actively? Especially if you were weak in the language yourself? My son (now Sec 3) has a millennial tutor, but he’s more of a friend/mentor, so these sessions are enjoyable. In the past, we had asked our tutor to take my son and his friends on outings, like to the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall. Apart from that, I had hired my friend’s daughter (early 20s) for a small fee, to have conversations and play games with my son. But ultimately I think if we don’t speak the language in our daily life, it’s quite hard to improve!

Health

Health matters at every age. Share questions, experiences, and advice on everything from childhood illnesses to family well-being.

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@rinsider We had a discussion about this last night, with some friends (also parents)! Among our group, we have one neighbourhood sec school teacher and one allied educator. Some points: Girls bully as well, so what’s the punitive measures for them, and are these effective? Or we are sticking with less-effective measures for girls, due to their perceived physical vulnerability? What teachers see on the ground: the victim may not be adequately supported, especially if they are bullied in their graduating year and leave the school after that. Gentler measures such as corrective work don’t have much effect. Getting teens to help out in school (e.g. cleaning toilets) requires plenty of time and effort from already overstretched teachers. It’s unrealistic/unfair to expect teachers to do double-duty as therapists, coaches. Teachers are not experts in behavioural change. Perhaps every school needs a dedicated team to handle these non-academic challenges, not just a handful of counsellors? Will school caning, the way it is currently carried out, really serve as a bullying deterrent, or is it performative? We talked about the whistleblowing aspect as well. We know of teachers who are alerted to fights and they personally intervene. But not everyone has that relationship with their students, and that’s not a real solution. We also talked about victims, especially male victims, who may not talk to anyone about what they’re facing.

Relationships

Strong families start with strong relationships. This is a space to talk about marriage, in-laws, and the ups and downs of family life while raising children.

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@rinsider To answer your question: My two kids were unplanned, although they came after marriage haha. I was not the type of person who needed to have kids, although I’m very glad that I did, and I do live for them, in many ways. For one, they’ve made me improve myself so that they would have a better role model. My life with kids is infinitely better, but I wouldn’t really want to prescribe this to someone else, as we’re all different. If we’d had more access to resources when we were 20-somethings, be it the social media financial experts or AI, I think we might’ve done a lot of things differently too!

Domestic Help

For many families, domestic helpers are an essential part of home life. Share experiences, advice, and questions about managing help and household routines.

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After having quite a few bad experiences with different maid agencies previously, I finally found one that is really reliable and responsible, so I thought I should share here for parents who may be searching too. Previously, I encountered issues with other maid agencies like poor matching, lack of follow-up, and the agencies disappearing after placement. It was honestly very stressful especially with kids at home. Recently, I engaged Goodlink Manpower Resources located at Bukit Timah, and the experience has been very smooth and reassuring. They were patient, transparent, and responsive throughout the whole process. They really took the effort to understand our family needs and recommended a helper that suited our household well. (of course i understand its also based on luck, but honestly i felt like i didn’t have the luck after so much bad encounters) What I really appreciated most was their after-service and follow-up, which made me feel much more at ease compared to my previous experiences. For parents who are currently searching for a reliable agency, you can look for Goodlink Manpower Resources or contact them at 80784463. Sharing purely based on my personal experience and hope it helps others too

Tuckshop

KiasuParents are not only kiasu about our children — we are serious when it comes to good food. Discuss all culinary matters here, from cooking to buffets and fine dining.

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If you are looking for the latest set meal prices or new launches at places like KFC or McDonald’s, you should take a look at mysgmenu.com. I find their menu guides very comprehensive, especially for quick service restaurants. It’s a great way to see the full list of options and current promotions before you even reach the ordering kiosk. Super helpful for a quick check on the go!

Money Matters

From school fees to enrichment classes, raising kids comes with rising costs. Share how you’re budgeting, saving, and planning for your family’s financial future.

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Wah this topic really make me think damn lot sia lol. My two kids both in primary school and I spend around $800-$1200/month on tuition and enrichment combined. For primary school can start with one tuition subject then add more as they go to higher primary lah. For enrichment, don’t need to overload them. Better to find something they actually enjoy and can stick with for long term. My daughter she loves art class so we keep that, but for academic tuition I only do English and Math. Science can wait until secondary school if needed lor. One tip I learn: always try the free trial first before committing. My son went through like 3 tutors before we found one that click. Sometimes it’s not about the qualification but whether the tutor can connect with your child, mah. Btw anyone tried online tutoring platform? I been hearing about OmniBox Tutor from a friend lah. Seems quite convenient cause you can match with tutors based on your child’s specific needs. Might be good for busy parents who don’t have time to travel to tuition centres. Anyone has experience with it? Would love to hear sia~

Holiday Ideas

School holidays are a chance to recharge, for kids and parents alike! Share travel tips, local activities, and ideas to make the most of the break.

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anyone has summer experience in Japan? how is it like? hot? [image: 1770094050641-80c362bc-e7f1-47d1-9d63-25f6d73bac5a-image.png]

Technology & Gadgets

From the latest gadgets to screen time struggles, let’s talk about tech for the whole family. Share tips, reviews, and how you’re managing devices at home.

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dig

Happenings

Heard about something worth checking out? Post upcoming events, talks, workshops, or activities here for fellow parents.

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📅 21 May 2026 (Thursday) 🕗 8PM to 9.30PM Is this happening in your home? Your high-ability child is not scoring well in tests and exams Your primary school child is scoring AL3 and below, and you think they can do better Your secondary school teen is scoring B3 and below, when you had set higher targets Your child is in danger of failing This webinar is for you! Join us for this 90-minute session to learn how to: Speak to your child in ways that reduce shame, defensiveness, and shutdown Understand what your child may be feeling Guide reflection and responsibility, without scolding or blaming Communicate with high achievers, “average” performers, and those who struggle academically Support motivation and growth without creating fear‑based pressure Register Now Speaker Eric Tan is a transformational parenting coach, author, and founder of the Conscious Mindful Parenting workshop. A former Chief Consulting Officer with 17 years of corporate experience, he now blends neuro‑linguistic programming (NLP) and neuroscience‑based tools to help parents build emotionally connected families.

Buy & Sell

Looking to buy, sell, or pass something on? List it here and connect with other parents. Please note: KiasuParents.com is not responsible for any transactions made in this forum.

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Happy Tuesday! Hope all families and parents have had a great week so far We have just released an article discussing the topic of balancing strong academic with good character. There is a phrase that quietly surfaces in many competitive environments. “He’s very smart… but you have to be careful around him.” It is often said jokingly, sometimes casually, but beneath it lies something uncomfortable. A recognition that academic ability, while impressive, does not always develop alongside integrity, kindness, or sincerity. For children growing up in achievement-driven environments, this distinction matters more than we sometimes realise. Because while strong academics can open doors, character often determines what happens after those doors are opened. Do give it a read and let us know your thoughts! Interested parents may also contact us through the following platforms for any tuition related enquiries: Website - www.educaretutoring.sg Instagram - @educaretutoringsg WhatsApp - +65 8893 4017 Email - educaretutoring.sg@gmail.com Educare Tutoring - Affordable & Quality Tuition Read more of our articles that highlight important considerations for primary, secondary school and Junior College students
Schooling

Primary Schools - Selection & Registration

All about Primary One registration — from choosing the right school to understanding phases and balloting. Join the discussion here.

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Apologies. Fix applied (19 May 2026): Mixed-level through-train schools — including CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ School, Maris Stella High School, and Catholic High School — were previously missing from the P1 proximity and property/rental price dashboards. This has been corrected and all mixed level schools now appear.

Primary Schools - Parent Networking Groups

It’s always helpful to connect with parents from the same school. Whether you’re new or experienced, this is where you can share advice, ask questions, and support each other.

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@sharonkhoo That must’ve been a really interesting/life-changing experience for both your girls, to live and study in cross-cultural settings! Our fam has always been based in SG, but our family network is diverse. I’m Chinese, my husband is Indian, and the extended family includes fam members who are Malay, Romanian, and so on. My SIL’s family migrated to NZ many years ago. And some of our closest friends are single, or in same-sex partnerships. In short, there are plenty of different perspectives for my kiddos to draw upon! But going back to the book: I think academics and school routines/requirements can be very overwhelming for many parents in SG, hence the need to talk about it all the time! I also wonder if some had been very disciplined and well-behaved when young. I certainly wasn’t, which makes it very easy to view my kids in a glowing light Personally, I’ve always said that ver 2.0 is far better!

Primary Schools - Academic Support

Primary school brings six years of academic milestones and challenges. Use this space to talk about schoolwork, tuition, exams, learning gaps, and how you’re helping your child along the way.

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Hi everyone, I am a Secondary 1 student who just went through the PSLE last year. I got AL8 total for my PSLE! Since the experience is still very fresh in my mind, I remember exactly how stressful and overwhelming Primary 6 can feel for both students and parents. Now that I have a bit more free time, I want to give back and help this year’s batch of P6 students ace their exams. I have created a completely free WhatsApp Channel called The PSLE Guide, where I will be sharing: Subject Breakdowns: Simple explanations for tricky Math word problems and Science concepts. Study Tips: Time management, how to handle exam stress, and what I wish I knew before the papers. The Sec 1 Perspective: Insights into what the transition to secondary school is actually like. FREE resources weekly: Past Year exams papers, notes, online videos or explanations that ACTUALLY helped me during the stressful period. My goal is just to create a positive, supportive space to help students stay motivated. If you or your child would find this useful, you are most welcome to join! You can find the channel here whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbCglrk0rGiNBnA8e73D Feel free to ask me any questions here on this thread about how I prepared for specific subjects last year.Feel free to contact me on the whatsapp channel. My number is 88285579. I also will be doing online tutoring (paid) for a reasonable price for struggling PSLE Students soon! All the best to everyone prepping for the PSLE this year!

Secondary Schools - Selection

Choosing a secondary school? Talk about school options, cut-off points, and what your child’s PSLE results mean for their next step.

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@JensonTan English DSA portfolios are tricky because schools are looking for genuine voice, not polished tutor-guided pieces. A few things that actually help: — Include work from different contexts — school assignments, personal writing, competition entries. Shows range. — One or two pieces that took creative risk are worth more than five safe, technically correct ones. — If she has any published work, blog, or writing that got external recognition — include it. The interview matters as much as the portfolio. They’ll ask her to talk about her writing, why she made certain choices. She needs to own every piece in there.

Secondary Schools - Parent Networking Groups

Stay connected with parents from the same secondary school. Share updates, ask questions, and support one another — even as our teens grow more independent.

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@doodbug Just sharing further on this super old post that i made. Nope, my DD did not transfer to IP track. In fact, SCGS continued to provide her with multiple opportunities to groom her as a leader and in character-building. She went on to score 6 points for O levels. She got into ACSI. And went on to score 44/45 for IB. We are thankful for this wondrous journey. Bottomline, she enjoyed all her years in SCGS and ACSI tremendously.

Secondary Schools - Academic Support

Secondary school comes with new subjects, greater expectations, and teen-sized challenges. Use this space to discuss academic support, subject combinations, and more.

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@NickL The parent’s feedback can be found at the following link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUpTuX0CZQl/?igsh=MWl0bHk4dGNnazhzMA== The school has not responded at all. FYI.

Tertiary Education - A-Levels, Diplomas, Degrees

What comes after secondary school? Whether your teen is heading to JC, poly, ITE, or exploring another path, this is the space to talk about courses, admissions, and life in tertiary education.

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@thebottomsupblog said: thebottomsupblog 28 Jan 2026, 15:42 Wondering if anyone here (either current student, or parent of one) can shed light about being a US international student right now, particularly in the Ivies or HYPSM (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and MIT)? For us on the outside looking in, it’s seemed a bit iffy for a while now, especially with recent ICE developments. There’s definitely more uncertainty now compared to a few years ago, and it’s not unreasonable to feel that way. Policies around international students (especially visa rules and work authorization) have been shifting, and headlines about ICE or political rhetoric can make things feel unstable. That said, for students already at top schools like HYPSM, the on-the-ground experience is still largely positive. Think strong institutional support, access to opportunities, and generally welcoming campus environments. The bigger concern tends to be longer-term planning (like OPT, H-1B pathways, or staying in the US after graduation), rather than day-to-day student life. From what I’ve seen working with students, the key is going in with eyes open: understand the immigration constraints, have backup plans (including options outside the US), and choose schools that actively support international students with advising and career placement. It’s not “iffy” to the point of avoiding the US altogether, but it’s definitely no longer a straightforward path, and families should weigh that carefully. If you’re exploring this more seriously and want tailored guidance, feel free to reach out at ivycollegeadvisors@gmail.com.
Early Learning, Student Care & Enrichment

Academic Learning & Enrichment

Can’t teach everything yourself? Share ideas for home learning, and get advice on selecting enrichment classes or tutors to support your child’s education.

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Happy Tuesday! Hope all families and parents have had a great week so far We have just released an article discussing the topic of balancing strong academic with good character. There is a phrase that quietly surfaces in many competitive environments. “He’s very smart… but you have to be careful around him.” It is often said jokingly, sometimes casually, but beneath it lies something uncomfortable. A recognition that academic ability, while impressive, does not always develop alongside integrity, kindness, or sincerity. For children growing up in achievement-driven environments, this distinction matters more than we sometimes realise. Because while strong academics can open doors, character often determines what happens after those doors are opened. Do give it a read and let us know your thoughts! Interested parents may also contact us through the following platforms for any tuition related enquiries: Website - www.educaretutoring.sg Instagram - @educaretutoringsg WhatsApp - +65 8893 4017 Email - educaretutoring.sg@gmail.com Educare Tutoring - Affordable & Quality Tuition Read more of our articles that highlight important considerations for primary, secondary school and Junior College students

Music, Singing, Dancing, Speech & Drama

Looking to nurture your child’s talent in music, performing arts, or creative expression? Share experiences, classes, and ideas with other parents here.

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Looking for Music, Drama, Ukelele Classes in Eunos/Ubi/Kembangan/Bedok area? Taught by Lucy Sparkles, explore hands-on interactive group classes (low class size) within EuHabitat condo (190 Jalan Eunos, euHabitat, Tower 3, #01-09, S419539) Complimentary Trials available Music (6m – 6yo) | Every Mon | 10:00am – 10:45am Drama (4yo - 12yo) | Every Tue | 6:00pm – 6:45pm Ukulele (5yo - 12yo) | Every Thu | 6:00pm – 6:45pm WhatsApp: +65 8043 5565 Website: https://thegrowthhouse.org/enrichment Book Trial Classes: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdw2wVU4EOv4RnqBh86HS-POLyqM1qA3n8Yu__LEsHkAzpj5A/viewform?usp=send_form

Child Care, Kindergartens & Student Care

Looking for infant care, preschool, or student care with nurturing teachers and quality programmes? Share your experiences and recommendations here.

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Currently considering enroll my kid to House on the hill Balmoral branch, would be highly appreciated if anyone can share the feedback on teacher and overall experience Can treat you a cup of coffee as our gratitude, thank you!

Sports, Fitness & Athletics

Whether it’s building skills or chasing big goals, talk about nurturing your child’s interest and talent in sports and fitness here.

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@AquaMaureen How can I contact you?

Art & Craft

Got a budding artist at home? Talk about art classes, creative activities, and how to support your child’s imagination.

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Follow the Victoria Art channel on WhatsApp: whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7nQT8JP214G2vQBF3P Also hope to receive lots of sharing of your children’s art and craft so as to inspire each other. For the love for Art and Craft sharing. [image: 1778079906573-b9d8dacce8c6b1b98fa8737674ec9e0f.jpg]

Social Time, Outings & Games

Kids need sunshine, fresh air, and good company — and so do parents. Share ideas for family outings, social activities, and places to unwind together.

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Hi everyone, I have been exploring some brain training games for kids and came across Mahjong Solitaire. It is the single player version where you match tiles until the board clears. I am wondering if this is actually useful for children’s cognitive development or just another way to pass time. Some positive points I noticed: It trains pattern recognition and visual memory. Kids need to remember where tiles are and plan moves ahead. It encourages patience and strategy. You cannot just pick random pairs, some moves open up the game while others block progress. It is easy to learn. No complicated rules, so children can start quickly. Many versions are free online and can be played in short sessions. On the other hand, there are also limitations: It can be addictive if not monitored, so screen time limits are still needed. For some children it may be too simple or too difficult, which reduces the benefit. It mainly exercises one type of skill, so variety with other games is still important. My view is that Mahjong Solitaire can be one good option among many, but not the only tool. It works best when combined with puzzles, memory card games, logic riddles or even Sudoku for kids. Keeping playtime short and discussing strategies with the child may make it more valuable. Has anyone here tried Mahjong Solitaire with their children? Did you see any benefits in focus or memory? And what other games would you recommend for brain training?