Asia spending billions on tutors: study

[fightingmom]

buds:

The above is an example of not writing carefully. My bad cause i wrote in between breastfeeding two boys. *pant pant*

I was and still am the sole caregiver and support for my children. We have very little help from our parents as they are all still working. Yes, in their silver years but still enjoy working to stay active and yes, sane. We have very little funds, no extras most times. Which means no tuition.. thankfully something we don't need to date. :xedfingers:

I was heavily pregnant with #3 and starting to get busy with household arrangements and what nots in preps for delivery. I was still actively involved with my children's education. They do not need to be hovered over during homework and assignments. I don't hafta sit with them to make sure they do, because that's their job. They can always holler when they need assistance when in doubt. My job was to provide basic foundation of concepts since funds was lacking for a single-incomed family of ours.

We have daily after-homework stuff to do (extras) like top school papers and some games thereafter or brain boosters. It keeps them challenged. Children get complacent when it's always the same thing over and over and when complacency sets in, carelessness ensues. Keeping children appropriately stimulated ensures they are kept on their toes.

DD2 was worried that i won't have time to do all those anymore with her when baby comes (she likes it) and wants to relieve me of those areas and requested some classes she could attend. We looked at OnSponge.. liked it.. but expensive for a two day holiday prgm. By the time i decided to bite the bullet (take from what i've saved) to send her for it, places were all filled. When the holiday prgm at OnSponge came again, both DD and i deliberated again. Eventually, she mentioned a friend of hers attended Mindstretcher and said it was fun. She came home to rationalize.

DD2 : Mom, one-time pgrm at OnSponge is $380 so two sessions equals to $760. Can i trade those two prgms for a longer one at Mindstretcher here? It will stretch our dollar. Instead of a four-day fun holiday pgrm, i might be able to get a 6-mth enrichment pgrm with Mindstretcher. It is still expensive so you can think about it.

Fast forward to date. I now have #4. DD2 still has not attended any extra external enrichment pgrm. All the more harder to cough out now. So she has recently declared..

DD2 : Mom, i think we should save the $ for a rainy day. This year i'm going to start supplementary lessons after school and i've heard from friends in upper levels, they are quite fun. When you have time off the babies and the house, we can still do as for normal but if not the school is giving us... and it's free, mom. I just love to spend time with you, that's all. It's not like studying at all.

Then that same night after the above conclusion, there was a Jet Star advertisement on TV.

Joanne Peh went, \"Singapore... Do you need a holiday?\"

DD2 screamed : Yes!! Yes!! Me! I need a holiday! *raising her hand up excitedly*

DD2 : I know, mom! We could save all the money we thought to spend on my enrichment for a family holiday! That's a great idea isn't it?

Me : Yes it is.. yes it is.. :love:

So.. to clarify (which i don't mind to at all)... i am not a kiasu parent. Never was really.. but a very much involved one.. and an observant one to know what keeps my children going. Without extra moolahs :moneyflies: \"I\" am responsible for how it keeps going. So if i do eventually have money raining from the sky for them, i will send them for selective lessons that they can find enjoyment and fulfillment from because it can keep them going... keep them motivated with learning. So for the longest time, i have been teaching them to learn how to learn.. a more independent way that doesn't require an extra person to do it with. It's a lifelong journey i hope i can see through, if i live to see the days. But it definitely is a happy one for me thus far.

While my children share that they have classmates who can get full marks all the time, but attends tuition for all 4 subjects, i just reassure them that they are the true geniuses for they have only themselves (and very little from myself from time to time) to achieve that 80s to 90s or the occasional full marks and that's even way better. They have more time for themselves to be the children that they are and are happier.

I don't have expectations to begin with so it's easier on me.. for i don't wear them down with MY expectations. Kids these days go round fixing all that on their own already. Scary but good scary cos they know what's good for them.

Even though there were occasions where they failed (yes failed and recorded in red) or gotten ranges of Band 3s, they pull themselves up back together to what they deem comfortable and they understand that the results they get commensurate with the effort and the diligence that THEY put in. Nothing else.

No one owes us a living. We work for it.

They know that and i'm happy... plus quietly beaming with pride. Not so quiet now that the rest of you know... :politebleah: So when they do do very well, it's sheer bonus for me! :please: It was hard work that got them there. Instead of them asking me if i was proud of them and what they achieved, they come hugging me and sharing how proud they are of themselves. It IS their hard work and it is literally their success. I'm just sharing the happiness. :grphug:

You can read about my bonus here at this link.
> http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?p=640008#p640008

Sharing a quote a very close friend of mine shared...

\"The only job i know how to do (best) is to be a mother....\"

...... and i hope i have been a good one, if not great.

PS 1. While i did inquire at Mindstretcher, for DD2's sake... never did sign up in the end. And yes, i'm am moooorrre than happy if they get 90s to full marks. Definitely. Over the moon. Without tuition especially..

PS 2. Plus they don't only work hard in school, but are mommy's little elves at home and ever so excited to be a part of any volunteer projects I'm involved with. Balanced children. Cannot ask for more.. :please:

PS 3. I also know how to be a good wife but :politebleah: i don't have to clarify that. I oredi have proof. :evil:

:rotflmao:

:udawoman:

Buds, you brought up your children well. DD2 is very 懂事 and if I am not wrong, she is P3 this year ?

If I were in your position, I would swell with pride each time I look at my children.

You are really an awesome mommie and wife :salute:

And what did I tell you earlier : 9 out of 10 children got their awesomeness from their mother.

:love:

[Mychildren]

buds:

Mychildren:

[quote=\"buds\"]Agree with that KSP, cos when I inquired at Mindstretcher thinking to perhaps sign up for DD2 last year for Math they asked the same questions. To me, it's more like filling up the blanks in a Personal Particulars form, no biggie at all. Upon hearing that DD2 has been scoring 90s to full marks range... the lady advised that I bring in her last semestral exam results and encouraged me to allow her to sit for a test. If she can manage that test she should go for HA (Higher Ability) class where concepts won't be repeated but instead children will be exposed to more challenging Math, rather than be stuck in their Achiever class which is more tutoring than enriching her already good foundation in math concepts. They also showed samples of their worksheets.

Ya, its really scary. 90+ still need tuition. I would be very happy if my children can score this kind of results.

Now, I understand, its really about what is our expectation, not what the children really need to have. Sorry, I don't mean to offend anyone. Just stating what I feel. :lightrod:

The above is an example of not writing carefully. My bad cause i wrote in between breastfeeding two boys. *pant pant*

I was and still am the sole caregiver and support for my children. We have very little help from our parents as they are all still working. Yes, in their silver years but still enjoy working to stay active and yes, sane. We have very little funds, no extras most times. Which means no tuition.. thankfully something we don't need to date. :xedfingers:

I was heavily pregnant with #3 and starting to get busy with household arrangements and what nots in preps for delivery. I was still actively involved with my children's education. They do not need to be hovered over during homework and assignments. I don't hafta sit with them to make sure they do, because that's their job. They can always holler when they need assistance when in doubt. My job was to provide basic foundation of concepts since funds was lacking for a single-incomed family of ours.

We have daily after-homework stuff to do (extras) like top school papers and some games thereafter or brain boosters. It keeps them challenged. Children get complacent when it's always the same thing over and over and when complacency sets in, carelessness ensues. Keeping children appropriately stimulated ensures they are kept on their toes.

DD2 was worried that i won't have time to do all those anymore with her when baby comes (she likes it) and wants to relieve me of those areas and requested some classes she could attend. We looked at OnSponge.. liked it.. but expensive for a two day holiday prgm. By the time i decided to bite the bullet (take from what i've saved) to send her for it, places were all filled. When the holiday prgm at OnSponge came again, both DD and i deliberated again. Eventually, she mentioned a friend of hers attended Mindstretcher and said it was fun. She came home to rationalize.

DD2 : Mom, one-time pgrm at OnSponge is $380 so two sessions equals to $760. Can i trade those two prgms for a longer one at Mindstretcher here? It will stretch our dollar. Instead of a four-day fun holiday pgrm, i might be able to get a 6-mth enrichment pgrm with Mindstretcher. It is still expensive so you can think about it.

Fast forward to date. I now have #4. DD2 still has not attended any extra external enrichment pgrm. All the more harder to cough out now. So she has recently declared..

DD2 : Mom, i think we should save the $ for a rainy day. This year i'm going to start supplementary lessons after school and i've heard from friends in upper levels, they are quite fun. When you have time off the babies and the house, we can still do as for normal but if not the school is giving us... and it's free, mom. I just love to spend time with you, that's all. It's not like studying at all.

Then that same night after the above conclusion, there was a Jet Star advertisement on TV.

Joanne Peh went, \"Singapore... Do you need a holiday?\"

DD2 screamed : Yes!! Yes!! Me! I need a holiday! *raising her hand up excitedly*

DD2 : I know, mom! We could save all the money we thought to spend on my enrichment for a family holiday! That's a great idea isn't it?

Me : Yes it is.. yes it is.. :love:

So.. to clarify (which i don't mind to at all)... i am not a kiasu parent. Never was really.. but a very much involved one.. and an observant one to know what keeps my children going. Without extra moolahs :moneyflies: \"I\" am responsible for how it keeps going. So if i do eventually have money raining from the sky for them, i will send them for selective lessons that they can find enjoyment and fulfillment from because it can keep them going... keep them motivated with learning. So for the longest time, i have been teaching them to learn how to learn.. a more independent way that doesn't require an extra person to do it with. It's a lifelong journey i hope i can see through, if i live to see the days. But it definitely is a happy one for me thus far.

While my children share that they have classmates who can get full marks all the time, but attends tuition for all 4 subjects, i just reassure them that they are the true geniuses for they have only themselves (and very little from myself from time to time) to achieve that 80s to 90s or the occasional full marks and that's even way better. They have more time for themselves to be the children that they are and are happier.

I don't have expectations to begin with so it's easier on me.. for i don't wear them down with MY expectations. Kids these days go round fixing all that on their own already. Scary but good scary cos they know what's good for them.

Even though there were occasions where they failed (yes failed and recorded in red) or gotten ranges of Band 3s, they pull themselves up back together to what they deem comfortable and they understand that the results they get commensurate with the effort and the diligence that THEY put in. Nothing else.

No one owes us a living. We work for it.

They know that and i'm happy... plus quietly beaming with pride. Not so quiet now that the rest of you know... :politebleah: So when they do do very well, it's sheer bonus for me! :please: It was hard work that got them there. Instead of them asking me if i was proud of them and what they achieved, they come hugging me and sharing how proud they are of themselves. It IS their hard work and it is literally their success. I'm just sharing the happiness. :grphug:

You can read about my bonus here at this link.
> http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?p=640008#p640008

Sharing a quote a very close friend of mine shared...

\"The only job i know how to do (best) is to be a mother....\"

...... and i hope i have been a good one, if not great.

PS 1. While i did inquire at Mindstretcher, for DD2's sake... never did sign up in the end. And yes, i'm am moooorrre than happy if they get 90s to full marks. Definitely. Over the moon. Without tuition especially..

PS 2. Plus they don't only work hard in school, but are mommy's little elves at home and ever so excited to be a part of any volunteer projects I'm involved with. Balanced children. Cannot ask for more.. :please:

PS 3. I also know how to be a good wife but :politebleah: i don't have to clarify that. I oredi have proof. :evil:

:rotflmao:[/quote]Buds, feeling bad that you have to write so much to clarify. For sure, you're a good mummy and wife base on the above. I know and understand its a tough job handling 3 kids. :grphug:

[Singapura]

Lilac66:

Today's ST published an article about Aristocare care putting up untrue claims about his GE preparatory program. This was what we were hoping for in our earlier discussion on \"regulating\" the tuition industry (tuition centres). At least a first step. Imagine if this man had been allowed to continue with his exaggerated claims... more tuition centres may follow suit.

People are willing to spend because it is an investment in their children. More important is the time spent which cannot be refunded. Could have gone to a \"standard\" tutor who doesn't make exaggerated claims and charges regular rates and still get the same results.

[fightingmom]

Mychildren:

Buds, feeling bad that you have to write so much to clarify. For sure, you're a good mummy and wife base on the above. I know and understand its a tough job handling 3 kids. :grphug:

Buds has 4 children not 3

[jtoh]

Lilac66:

Today's ST published an article about Aristocare care putting up untrue claims about his GE preparatory program. This was what we were hoping for in our earlier discussion on \"regulating\" the tuition industry (tuition centres). At least a first step. Imagine if this man had been allowed to continue with his exaggerated claims... more tuition centres may follow suit.

The lies this man told is crazy. When questioned why he lied about being in GEP, he claims his mother told him he was in GEP and therefore he assumed he was. :rotflmao:

[BeContented]

jtoh:

Lilac66:

Today's ST published an article about Aristocare care putting up untrue claims about his GE preparatory program. This was what we were hoping for in our earlier discussion on \"regulating\" the tuition industry (tuition centres). At least a first step. Imagine if this man had been allowed to continue with his exaggerated claims... more tuition centres may follow suit.

The lies this man told is crazy. When questioned why he lied about being in GEP, he claims his mother told him he was in GEP and therefore he assumed he was. :rotflmao:

Maybe his mom had also told him he's a GEP teacher in ACS & a qualified teacher. :roll: :spank:

[Imami]

jtoh:

Lilac66:

Today's ST published an article about Aristocare care putting up untrue claims about his GE preparatory program. This was what we were hoping for in our earlier discussion on \"regulating\" the tuition industry (tuition centres). At least a first step. Imagine if this man had been allowed to continue with his exaggerated claims... more tuition centres may follow suit.

The lies this man told is crazy. When questioned why he lied about being in GEP, he claims his mother told him he was in GEP and therefore he assumed he was. :rotflmao:

:rotflmao: :rotflmao:

[jtoh]

BeContented:

jtoh:

[quote=\"Lilac66\"]Today's ST published an article about Aristocare care putting up untrue claims about his GE preparatory program. This was what we were hoping for in our earlier discussion on \"regulating\" the tuition industry (tuition centres). At least a first step. Imagine if this man had been allowed to continue with his exaggerated claims... more tuition centres may follow suit.

The lies this man told is crazy. When questioned why he lied about being in GEP, he claims his mother told him he was in GEP and therefore he assumed he was. :rotflmao:

Maybe his mom had also told him he's a GEP teacher in ACS & a qualified teacher. :roll: :spank:[/quote]He's probably telling his students at his tuition centre that they all qualified for GEP. Doesn't matter what MOE says because his mother said they all qualified.

[fightingmom]

BeContented:

jtoh:

[quote=\"Lilac66\"]Today's ST published an article about Aristocare care putting up untrue claims about his GE preparatory program. This was what we were hoping for in our earlier discussion on \"regulating\" the tuition industry (tuition centres). At least a first step. Imagine if this man had been allowed to continue with his exaggerated claims... more tuition centres may follow suit.

The lies this man told is crazy. When questioned why he lied about being in GEP, he claims his mother told him he was in GEP and therefore he assumed he was. :rotflmao:

Maybe his mom had also told him he's a GEP teacher in ACS & a qualified teacher. :roll: :spank:[/quote]He is already 36 years old .. Imagine he says this ,\" 这是我妈妈说的。。。。＂ :faint:

[buds]

jtoh:

BeContented:

[quote=\"jtoh\"]

The lies this man told is crazy. When questioned why he lied about being in GEP, he claims his mother told him he was in GEP and therefore he assumed he was. :rotflmao:

Maybe his mom had also told him he's a GEP teacher in ACS & a qualified teacher. :roll: :spank:

He's probably telling his students at his tuition centre that they all qualified for GEP. Doesn't matter what MOE says because his mother said they all qualified.[/quote]:rotflmao:

Just her say confirm dy? :salute:
No need double confirm with letter from MOE? :idea:

Powderful.