https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/make-chinese-a-language-used-in-real-life-not-just-in-exams-ong-ye-kung Sorry if this is a weak example from today’s news as it actually applies to all families of all races across Singapore. But well, since this applies to Mandarin specifically… Personally, I never spoke to my kids in Mandarin when they were growing up as my mother tongue is really bad. Efforts to encourage both my kids were futile as they couldn’t care less about culture, heritage, future career advantage, stuff like that. “As times change, MOE should adapt its curriculum and teaching methods, (Minister Ong) said”. So it’s taken decades to realise that now? My son, who took Chinese B and scored a U (ungraded) lamented how there was no real emphasis on how to string characters into a proper sentence, what these individual characters even meant or represented, or how to even conduct a basic conversation. He only began learning rudimentary spoken Mandarin when he entered the workforce (better late than never, for sure!). I think the teaching shift should start at the oral level first, instead of mastering idioms to pen powerful compositions. But what do I know… Still, I can relate to my kids’ struggles in conversing in Mandarin (and in the correct tone) as I scored a D7 myself more than 20yrs ago. I’m likely at fault, but I never pressured them to do well in it either as an exam subject. I could always have created opportunities at home by asking them, “what did you learn in class today?” but I never did that as well. Besides tuition, how do parents nowadays try to incorporate Chinese into their kids’ lives actively? Especially if you were weak in the language yourself?

@rinsider said: @sharonkhoo my daughter is 20. Nearly a legal adult! 🤭 My kids have closed their doors for years, but in recent months, she has been locking her door. She’s had a phone since 16. So I can’t understand this recent behaviour. She said she wants to “isolate” herself. Have been feeling bad and At 20, you can’t really dictate her behaviour without a strong reason. On the other hand, if this is a recent change, I think you should try to find out more. Try to find out why she’s changed? Why the need to isolate? Has something happened in school/uni/whatever she’s doing at the moment outside the home? You probably need to find a good time to ask gently. It could be something to do with friends/boy friend, or studies/work etc. A reason you could give for not wanting internal doors locked for long periods is for safety reasons. Privacy can be assured if everyone knocks and waits when the door is closed; in emergencies, a locked door makes response time longer. This is a perfectly reasonable request as you are ultimately responsible for safety of all the residents. You could start with this and see if it opens up more info about why she wants to lock her door.

@genghis25 I used to subscribe to Geniebook. You can consider subscribing to it.

Do let us know more about the situations that you’re facing Sometimes explosions will just happen, despite our best intentions… We’re only human too! Haha I will close the windows so that the neighbours can’t hear as much. For me, I like to recover quickly — I have usually approached my kids after about 30mins to an hour, to hug and make up. Not everything has a clear “solution,” but hopefully everyone can feel loved.

My kid was using ChatGPT to copy full answers for maths/science homework, they weren’t learning anything. So as a software guy, I purposely built a hint mode into an AI app I made called Acepal.net It provides hints that guide thinking without directly giving the answer. My kids are actually learning now instead of cheating! Feel free to try it

My kid was using ChatGPT to copy full answers for maths/science homework, they weren’t learning anything. So as a software guy, I purposely built a hint mode into an AI app I made called Acepal.net It provides hints that guide thinking without directly giving the answer. My kids are actually learning now instead of cheating! Feel free to try it

@SgtSnooze who are the “we” running the survey? At least disclose your training company name la.

@chrisrocks97 said in Are you looking for ways to help your child excel in PSLE Maths?: Join us on May 17, from 10am to 12pm for a FREE, interactive webinar focused on key topics like Whole Numbers, Decimals, Fractions, and Measurement. This session will equip your child with the tools to conquer the exam confidently and effectively. Highlights: Learn how to develop a math growth mindset. Tackle challenging PSLE-style questions. Benefit from a FREE diagnostic test valued at $99! Bonus Offer: Attend and receive a $50 tuition voucher. Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out! Use the referral code FREE100 to register and unlock the full potential of this event: https://www.tuitiply.com/forms/PSLEMathsWorkshop Let’s make math success a reality for your child! Sounds pretty interesting! Do you know if the webinar is only for kids in Singapore, or can people join from other countries too?

@ms-zz said in Groupchat bullying - cyber bullying: Hi parents I’m looking for suggestion how to deal with the bullies. My child started Sec1 this year & was okay with his group of peers till recently. Well Boy A & Boy B started to constantly talk bad & isolate this Boy C who is from the same group & even start a groupchat to say nasty things about Boy C. Somehow now the attention turn to my child , A & B started groupchat to talk about my boy - fill with vulgarity . My boy will exit from the group but they keep adding him back into the chat . End up my boy block them. When my boy confronted A , A said they just want to “roast” him , why cannot . Groupchats are fill with quite a number of classmates. Well A & B is teacher’s pet & “ popular” in class. Well my boy didn’t want to inform teachers , would like to ask parents here could give me some suggestions? Honestly I cannot stand the bullies arrogant & how they manipulate the classmates . I totally get your frustration—this sounds really stressful for both you and your child. First, it’s good that your boy is setting boundaries by exiting and blocking the chat; that shows he’s trying to protect himself. Even if he doesn’t want to go to teachers yet, documenting everything (screenshots of the chat, dates, what was said) can be really helpful if it escalates. You could also gently encourage him to talk to a trusted teacher or school counselor, emphasizing that it’s not “snitching” but protecting himself. At home, reinforcing his confidence and letting him know he’s not alone matters a lot. Sometimes, having a plan together for what to do if A & B approach him again can give him a sense of control. If it keeps up, involving the school is necessary—popularity shouldn’t let them bully with impunity.

Hi parents, if you’re thinking about how to help your kids learn better, cope better, and do better, NLB and NIE are running a great series this November, providing you with research-backed insights and practical tips on key issues in education. Join our free Wednesday evening talks this Nov on: 🧩 Inclusive education for learners with different needs (5/11) 🧘‍️ Managing stress & exam pressure (12/11) ️ Nurturing bilingual kids from young (19/11) Using AI to support learning (26/11) Every Wednesday in November, National Library Building Details & sign-up: go.gov.sg/ee2025