Families For Life | Tuition: Does your child really need it?

If you are considering tuition for your child, you’re not alone. According to a government survey on household expenditure in 2023, the total annual spending on tuition was $1.8 billion!

As parents, we want the best for our children, and tuition can provide your child with the support they need if they struggle with their studies. However, if your child doesn’t fall in this category, it might be worth stepping back for a moment and asking yourself: Does your child really need tuition, or could you be influenced by what other parents are doing?

It’s difficult to find the line between pushing for academic success and letting your child enjoy their childhood. Let’s learn more about the role of tuition in your child’s life and explore questions you can ask yourself to determine if your child needs extra help.

Are we too kiasu?

We probably know a few relatives and friends with children who are going for tuition. Even parents who feel their child might not need the extra help may become pressured into enrolling their child in extra classes.

More competitive school cut-off points can also pressure parents into considering tuition to ensure their child stays ahead of the curve.

However, children need time for themselves too. Younger children need periods of unstructured play to develop creative and problem-solving skills, while older children require breathing room in their schedule to live healthier and more balanced lives.

How to tell if tuition is good for your child

We know it can be difficult to decide which is best. On one hand, you want your child to do well academically, but on the other, you want them to grow holistically too. Try asking yourself these questions to help you consider whether tuition would be beneficial for your child or not:

How is your child’s academic performance at school?

If your child is keeping pace with lessons and doing well at school, it’s likely that tuition would not benefit your child. The extra hours of studying after school might do more harm than good!

Can you provide any guidance?

Look through your child’s homework and see if it’s something you can help them with. Sometimes, a bit of coaching and assessment books can get your child through weaker topics without enrolling them in tuition classes.

Does your child have time to explore their interests?

Volunteering, sports, and music are essential in a child’s life as they develop skills that might not be taught at school. It’s important to make time for these activities and give your child a way to escape academic stress.

As you make your decision, don’t forget to involve your child in the discussion. Ask them how they feel about tuition, and if they are against it, listen to their reasons. By having open discussions and taking everyone’s feelings into account, you’ll be able to make the right choice for your child!