How much $$$ do you spend on your Pre-schooler?

[musette]

MMM:

On the average, we spent an average of around S$900- $1k on each child (preschool and primary) per month.


K1 :
Kindy fees $389 (partially by CDA)
Chinese $158 (Chinese S&D and enrichment) - 2 prog
English $268 (phonics and LW) - 2 prog
Maths $120
Ballet $60
Music $100
Total $1095

P2 and P3 (except P3 got extra science)
School fees $16.50
Chinese $240
English $165
Maths $120
Science $127
Chinese S&D$83
Piano $120
Total $871.50

:!: :shock:

That's really a lot for a preschooler and lower primary kids!! Has the bar been raised so much or am I seriously out of touch, I wonder?

My P6 kid has only Chinese and English creative writing, Science tuition and piano, while my P4 kid is even worse. Only Chinese creative writing, swimming and violin.

Now I'm worried for my baby who is only 10 months. Wonder how many classes he has to attend next time. Better start saving up!

[MMM]

musette:

:!: :shock:


That's really a lot for a preschooler and lower primary kids!! Has the bar been raised so much or am I seriously out of touch, I wonder?

My P6 kid has only Chinese and English creative writing, Science tuition and piano, while my P4 kid is even worse. Only Chinese creative writing, swimming and violin.

Now I'm worried for my baby who is only 10 months. Wonder how many classes he has to attend next time. Better start saving up!

I think it all voice down to individual's expectations and thoughts. We've some friends who probably spend more than us. Eg. kids go to \"premium\" preschool and on top of that attend those enrichment classes. I suppose in this case, they are spending at least $1.5k per month.

BTW, I've also seen a child whose parents don't believe in enrichment classes at all. They believe kids should only learn in school. Well.. she did very well in her P1 scores. Top of the cohort type. So it's really subjective.

But this year, I have a new thought towards enrichment classes. My P3's class was plagued with the issue of pregnant teacher who had complication. So they were having change of teachers and in the end, the school gave them a \"experiened\" teacher who was tasked with bringing the children up to standard. Apparently the \"experienced\" teacher used her old methods so the kids hated her. Anyway... I was quite \"cool\" because my P3 has done alot of learning in her enrichment classes so I know that she would not be affected that much. This experience led me to feel that it's great that we had backup plans.

[sleepy]

musette:

My P6 kid has only Chinese and English creative writing, Science tuition and piano, while my P4 kid is even worse. Only Chinese creative writing, swimming and violin.

Where is your P6 kid attending English creative writing and science? Thanks!

[musette]

MMM:

I think it all voice down to individual's expectations and thoughts. We've some friends who probably spend more than us. Eg. kids go to \"premium\" preschool and on top of that attend those enrichment classes. I suppose in this case, they are spending at least $1.5k per month.


BTW, I've also seen a child whose parents don't believe in enrichment classes at all. They believe kids should only learn in school. Well.. she did very well in her P1 scores. Top of the cohort type. So it's really subjective.

You're right, of course!

I also have friends who send their kids to lots of top-end enrichment classes on top of attending premium preschools with the hope of getting into gep one day. Just that I've never asked them how much the classes cost.......I also never did find out how the kids (now in P3 and P1) are doing in school.

It is an eye-opener to know that this is in fact becoming a norm and well, I'd better visit KSP more often.

[musette]

Hi sleepy,


I’ve sent you a PM.

Cheers!

[MMM]

musette:

I also have friends who send their kids to lots of top-end enrichment classes on top of attending premium preschools with the hope of getting into gep one day. Just that I've never asked them how much the classes cost.......I also never did find out how the kids (now in P3 and P1) are doing in school.

It is an eye-opener to know that this is in fact becoming a norm and well, I'd better visit KSP more often.

Yes.... it would be interesting for someone to do some statistical studies/ research on the following :

* correlation between w/ without enrichment classes and results
* correlation between the age they start enrichment classes and the results
* Correlation between results in primary school and higher level
* PSLE results by preschools

It would be very interesting.

[MMM]

I overheard the conversation of 2 mums. Mum 1 was telling the other mum that it's good to expose her kid to enrichment classes early so that they are exposed and used to it. She said that her child is only exposed when she was in high primary and is feeling resentful against it.


I was just thinking about my P3 and P2. They never complained and ask to stop any lessons as they are probably used to it. Or are they stupid kids to think enrichment classes are part of life???? :roll: They enjoyed those JN's movies on I not stupid,etc... and find it amusing. They are also of the age of thinking of stuff themselves and questioning us. I assume that the centres we choose so far are not too boring so they are still enjoying learning.

But as to the question on will it do them more harm than good to have enrichment classes. I can't really tell. My personal thoughts is to build them consistently so that they are running a constant race.

[agnesost]

Hi all,


I only enrolled my son into a good academic based of pre-school. I do not fork out more for enrichment courses. The school does have speech and drama, phonics program in the syllabus. The cost fees is about S$1000 per month. It is about the same cost by distributing the cost to different enrichment courses.

After putting my son into a full-day childcare centre, I realized that he is very tired after staying for a day long in the centre. I am contemplating to enrol him into any weekend enrichment classes as child can have ample time to rest. I would encourage outdoor activities such as cycling, farm visiting or swimming during weekend.

[MMM]

agnesost:

I only enrolled my son into a good academic based of pre-school. I do not fork out more for enrichment courses. The school does have speech and drama, phonics program in the syllabus. The cost fees is about S$1000 per month. It is about the same cost by distributing the cost to different enrichment courses.

I had this disc with hubby few months back. He was asking if we should switch our K1 to Pat's near our place since my nephew is also going there so easier for his mum. Economies of scale.

He was saying that if we put her there then we drop all the other enrichment. It works out to be the same cost. Just my personal view, I couldn't bring myself to do that. As I wonder what would be the quality of their enrichment program that they have to offer and maybe it's my mindset. I rather send her to the different centres that is proven for their area of specialty than to get a under one roof solution. Just my personal thoughts. In the end, we dropped the idea.

[minnie2004]

It’s a good opportunity for me to review all the classes my kids are taking:


K2 DD:
Church kindy (includes gym): $327
Kinderart: $56
Yamaha JMC/JXC: $86
Piano: $200
Eng speech & drama: $109
Abacus: $78
Swimming: $60
Taekwondo: $60
Total DD —> $976

Courses completed: Total brain development, Eduplus Chinese
Courses dropped: ballet, kumon math

N2 DS:
Church kindy (includes gym): $267
Kinderart: $56
Eng speech & drama: $109
Swimming (starting soon): $60
Taekwondo: $60
Berries: $122
Total DS —> $674

He’ll also start Yamaha JMC in July. Also plan to send him to total brain when he turns 5 (my DD started at 4 but she was too young to know exactly what’s going on to fully benefit from the course).

My focus is on brain training and physical training. The former should be done when they’re young, while the latter is for fitness. Academic training can wait till primary school. Also, I’ve learned that it’s shi ban gong bei (half the result with double the effort) to push them to learn things too early, such as reading & writing. If they’re ready, they can pick them up very quickly.