We not stupid too, you know.

While movies like those produced by our local talent Jack Neo tend to exaggerate the portrayal of demanding parents just so we can laugh at ourselves, the reality is we parents simply want the best for our children.

We are quick to ridicule other parents as kiasu (怕输) when we see them blatantly trying to get the best for their kids.  Indeed, at one extreme, we have horror stories about how aunties bullied small children into surrendering front seats for their own children on the first day of school.  Yet, there are things that we do ourselves that other parents might deem as kiasu.

Is being kiasu really bad?

The fact is, most parents are naturally kiasu to varying degrees, and we do it because we care.  So our focus should not be on whether parents are kiasu or not.  What is much more important is our parenting style.  Are we uninvolved, indulgent, authoritarian or authoritative parents?  Parenting style has a permanent impact on how our children are shaped as they become adults themselves.

Here at KiasuParents.com, our mission is to debunk the notion that being kiasu is bad to begin with.  Instead of being furtive about it, we will be proactive when it comes to trying to look for that external help that can give our children the extra edge as they grow up.  We want to celebrate the kiasu parents who successfully adopt authoritative practices that achieve their goal of giving their best to their dearests.  The literal meaing of kiasu is "to be afraid of losing out", which also translates to: "to want to win".  There is nothing wrong with wanting the best for our children; the question is how it is achieved.  Kiasu becomes derogatory only when we attempt to win at all costs, igoring common sense and basic human decency.

So our definition of a KiasuParent is an involved and authoritative parent, one who is concerned with the well-being of his/her children, and is willing to spend time and effort in knowing what is available out there in order to make the best decisions for the children.

You think it is so easy being kiasu?

Let's not kid ourselves.  Being a kiasu parent is hardwork!  One must be prepared to spend loads of time to read and learn.  You have to research extensively in child development practices, build up a network of like-minded parents to share ideas and be alerted of latest events, promotions, sales, courses, camps, good tutors/coaches, childcare services, courseware, … and on and on.

Why KiasuParents.com?

And that is exactly what Kiasuparents.com is for.  It is a one-stop portal for parents like us to network as a group, and work together so that our kids can benefit from our collective wisdom.  We save your effort in trying to Google and piece together your research - we and others like ourselves have already done it for you!  And we want actual parents' views of the hundreds of enrichment programmes out there, and not just what the sales people want us to believe.

So please join us and participate in our forums, reviews and articles so that we can help one another in empowering our children to maximize their potential and, in time, grow into responsible, principled, and caring kiasu parents themselves.

* Team KiasuParents.com