Editor’s Note

I want them to learn to pick themselves up after failure, and have the grit to persevere.

byStephanie Yeo

When I asked my children about the government’s initiatives to reduce the number of exams in primary school, I expected them to say: “These kids are so lucky!”

Instead, my teenagers told me they weren’t in favour of it. Exams are necessary to gauge where you stand, they reasoned. I do agree with them, especially since the primary school years still culminate in the dreaded PSLE.

But don’t get me wrong; I’m no Tiger Mum.

I want my kids to be disciplined and motivated to do their best, but not be obsessed about being top in class.

I want them to learn to pick themselves up after failure, and have the grit to persevere.

Most of all, I want them to know that their self-worth is never about their grades. So, take this Exam Issue as a guide to managing not just your child’s grades, but your expectations, as well.

Sometimes, we unintentionally stress our kids by the words we use, or even the expressions on our faces when we see their exam scores.

We forget, but they don’t. Flip to page 18 to read how you can guide your kid in a more positive way.

If your child isn’t doing well academically even with tuition, turn to page 28 to see if there are other underlying conditions that may be affecting her grades.

And if your kid’s constant doodling, humming or fidgeting always annoys you, our story on page 26 shows you why that may be just what she needs to study more effectively.

Check out our website (www.youngparents.com.sg), too, for more tips on learning and family life.